UEFA has handed Aston Villa a suspended one-match ban on selling tickets to away supporters after their fans displayed a “discriminatory banner” during the Europa League final victory over Freiburg in Istanbul. The Premier League side won the match 3-0 in May, but European football’s governing body took issue with the banner displayed in the Villa end.
Suspended Ban and Fine
The ban, which would have applied to Villa’s first Champions League away game of next season, is suspended for two years. Should a similar offence occur within that period, the ban can be triggered. A UEFA statement confirmed the “ban from selling tickets to its away supporters is suspended for a probationary period of two years, starting from the date of the present decision.” Villa have also been fined £8,600.
UEFA Rules on Provocative Actions
UEFA rules require that “the match organiser, together with the police commander for the match and the safety and security officer, must prevent any provocative action being taken by spectators inside or in the immediate vicinity of the stadium (unacceptable levels of verbal provocation from spectators towards players or opposing fans, racist behaviour, provocative banners or flags, etc.).”
Villa’s European Triumph
Villa beat Freiburg 3-0 in Istanbul with goals from Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, and Emi Buendia. It was the club’s first European trophy in 44 years and a fifth Europa League success for manager Unai Emery, who previously won with Sevilla and Villarreal. Villa had already secured Champions League qualification via their league position before winning the Europa League.
Emery’s Champions League Return
Emery will now lead Villa in the Champions League for the second time in his tenure. Last season, they were beaten in the quarter-finals by eventual winners PSG but enjoyed memorable nights, including a win over Bayern Munich.
PSG Also Fined
UEFA has also fined Paris Saint-Germain €80,000 (£69,000) for their supporters lighting fireworks during the Champions League final win over Arsenal. PSG received a similar suspended ban.
