CRYSTAL PALACE have been handed a fine by UEFA for displaying a controversial banner during their Conference League play-off match against Fredrikstad last month.
Palace fans brandished a banner with ‘UEFA MAFIA’ written centrally on the European football governing body’s logo along with a Euro symbol.
ReutersCrystal Palace fans displayed a controversial banner during their match against Fredrikstad and will now have to pay a fine[/caption]
It was in response to UEFA’s decision to demote the club from the Europa League to the Conference League due to multi-club ownership rules.
The banner was displayed at Selhurst Park during the club’s first Conference League match against Fredrikstad.
It was also seen at Wembley during the Community Shield match against Liverpool and at Stamford Bridge on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.
Now, UEFA have responded by issuing an £8,693 (€10,000) fine.
Crystal Palace received the sanction for bringing the governing body into disrepute and transmitting a message that is not fit for a sports event under articles 16(2)(e) and 11(2)(d) of UEFA regulations.
The Eagles initially qualified for the Europa League by winning the FA Cup in May.
However, UEFA deemed them to have been part of the same ownership group as Ligue 1 giants Lyon, who also qualified.
Crystal Palace were therefore removed from the competition and replaced by Nottingham Forest – much to the frustration of supporters.
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Palace fans unveiled a banner aimed at Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis when the two clubs met in the Premier League last month.
It read: “Mr Marinakis is not involved in blackmail, match-fixing, drug trafficking or corruption!”
The Forest owner has always strongly denied any wrongdoing in relation to the allegations.
The FA is now investigating the issue, with a conclusion yet to be reached.
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