UEFA sanctions FC Barcelona for displaying Nazi symbols
Supporters of FC Barcelona display a banner with a message reminiscent of a Nazi salute during a match against AS Monaco. The team is hit with sanctions from UEFA.
FC Barcelona is prohibited from selling tickets to its fans for the upcoming Champions League away game against Red Star Belgrade on November 6 due to a fan banner containing references to Nazism. The club has also been fined 10,000 euros, as communicated by UEFA.
The banner was shown in the away supporters' section during the 1:2 loss against AS Monaco last Thursday. Its message read: "Heil Flick" - Hansi Flick, the ex-German and Bayern Munich coach, is now the manager of FC Barcelona. The phrase "Heil Hitler" was a common greeting among Nazis, and the banner sparked controversy and criticism. Elena Fort, vice-president of Barcelona, voiced her shock on Twitter, writing: "Disgraceful and disgraceful. I am filled with disgust and sadness that someone claiming to support the club behaves this way. There are boundaries. This must never happen again. Never again!"
Probation period reinstated following repeat violation
In its statement, UEFA mentioned a further violation that was punished on April 17. During the quarter-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain, the Nazi salute was visible in the fan block. As a consequence of this and other misconduct during the game, a ban on selling fan tickets for the next away game was initially imposed. However, this suspension was put on hold for one year on probation, which has now been breached. The probationary period will now be reactivated, and if there is another incident within the next year, a ban on selling tickets for an away game will be imposed again.
FC Barcelona has recently emphasized that it rejects any form of violence glorification and, according to its constitution, supports the promotion of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of the United Nations. The identities of the responsible fans were not recorded by the club. In Spain, it is not illegal to publicly display Nazi symbols or references to such symbols.
The repeat violation of displaying the Nazi salute, this time during the match against Paris Saint-Germain, led UEFA to put FC Barcelona on probation for a year. Regrettably, The Neonazis in the club's fanbase have once again caused controversy by showcasing the offensive banner during the match against AS Monaco.
