UEFA Punishes CSKA Sofia for Nazi Salute and Fan Violence in Europa League Qualifier
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
UEFA sanctioned CSKA Sofia with a 50,000-euro fine and ticket bans after fans performed Nazi salutes and caused violence during their Europa League qualifier against Derry City. The incidents led to a match suspension and stadium damage, with both clubs fined. Derry City was eliminated and will play in the Conference League qualifiers.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- UEFA fined CSKA Sofia 50,000 euros and banned away ticket sales for fan violence and Nazi salutes.
- CSKA fans breached barriers and clashed with security, causing a 15-minute match suspension.
- One CSKA official was fined 5,000 euros; the club must compensate Derry City for stadium damage.
- Derry City was fined 20,000 euros for fan misconduct including a pitch invasion.
- Derry City lost 5-3 on aggregate and will enter Conference League qualifiers against Rijeka.
- CSKA Sofia will face Qarabag next; Maccabi Tel Aviv could meet either team if they advance.
UEFA has imposed sanctions on Bulgarian club CSKA Sofia following the behavior of its fans during the first qualifying round of the Europa League against Derry City. The incidents, which occurred last Thursday during CSKA Sofia's 2-1 away win in Northern Ireland, included Nazi salutes, throwing objects, and violent clashes in the stands that led to a 15-minute match suspension. Videos showed CSKA fans giving Nazi salutes after Derry City supporters displayed an Antifa flag, and some CSKA fans breached barriers to confront security personnel, forcing Derry fans, including children, to retreat onto the pitch for safety.
As a result, UEFA fined CSKA Sofia 50,000 euros and banned the club from selling tickets for their next away game, scheduled for Thursday against Qarabag in Azerbaijan. Additionally, UEFA issued a suspended one-match away ticket ban for two years due to the racist behavior involving the Nazi salutes. One CSKA official was fined 5,000 euros for violating basic conduct rules, and the club was ordered to compensate Derry City for stadium damages.
Derry City also received a 20,000-euro fine for their fans' misconduct, including an effective pitch invasion. Despite winning the match 2-1, Derry City was eliminated from the Europa League with a 5-3 aggregate loss and will now compete in the Conference League qualifiers, facing Croatian side Rijeka. If Maccabi Tel Aviv eliminates Sheriff Tiraspol and advances to the third qualifying round, they could face either CSKA Sofia or Qarabag next.
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