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UEFA has imposed a series of disciplinary measures on Atletico Madrid following racist incidents involving some of the club’s supporters during their Champions League match against Arsenal in October.
The Spanish club, beaten 4-0 at the Emirates Stadium, were handed a €30,000 fine and a suspended restriction on the sale of away tickets after UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body ruled that fans engaged in racist behaviour, including monkey gestures, noises and Nazi salutes.
The governing body said the sanctions were issued for “racist and/or discriminatory behaviour”, adding that the suspended ban will remain in effect for a one-year probationary period beginning November 27. Any repeat offence could see Atletico barred from having travelling supporters at a future European fixture.
UEFA confirmed the incidents violated Article 14 (2) of the Disciplinary Regulations.
UEFA also confirmed an additional €10,000 fine for the throwing of objects by the visiting supporters. Reports prior to the match added to tensions between the clubs, with Atletico having complained about a lack of hot water in the away dressing room after a wet training session at the Emirates.
Despite the repercussions, Atletico remain firmly in contention in their Champions League group. They sit 12th in the standings with nine points, level with Newcastle United, Liverpool and Galatasaray, after a dramatic 93rd-minute winner against Inter Milan on Wednesday. Their next European match is a trip to Barcelona on Tuesday.
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