UEFA Suspends Mohammed Abu Fani for Three Matches, Fines Red Star Belgrade and Hapoel Be'er Sheva

Mohammed Abu Fani, the Israeli midfielder for Red Star Belgrade, has been suspended for three matches by UEFA's disciplinary committee. The suspension follows his direct red card received during the match against Hapoel Be'er Sheva, where he fouled Gibril Diop. Abu Fani missed the first leg of the Europa League playoff against Viktoria Plzen, which Red Star lost 0-3, and will also be absent for the return leg in the Czech Republic and the first group stage match. Red Star faces a potential drop to the Conference League if eliminated by Plzen.

In addition to Abu Fani's suspension, Red Star Belgrade was fined a total of 135,000 euros for incidents during the game against Hapoel Be'er Sheva. The penalties cover blocking stadium aisles, throwing objects, fan disturbances, use of pyrotechnics, and offensive banners. Hapoel Be'er Sheva was also fined by UEFA, receiving an 8,000-euro penalty for stadium damage caused by its fans and ordered to immediately compensate Red Star's management. Furthermore, Be'er Sheva was fined an additional 8,250 euros for throwing objects during the match.

These disciplinary actions reflect UEFA's strict measures against misconduct in European competitions, affecting both clubs and players involved in the recent playoff encounter.