Zenit punished for racist banner

On December 17, 2013, the UEFA Disciplinary Commission announced that it had fined the Russian football club Zenit 40,000 euros and ordered it to hold a Champions League match with an empty "fan" sector. The reason for this decision was the racist banner posted by the fans of the team.

This decision was taken after the away match of the Champions League group stage against Austria Wien, which took place on December 11, 2013 in Vienna. Russian fans displayed a racist banner, used pyrotechnics and participated in brawl with Austrian fans.

Thus, the next home match of "Zenith" with the German "Borussia", which will take place as part of the 1/8 finals of the Champions League on February 25 at stadium "Petrovsky" in St. Petersburg, will be held with partially empty stands.

UEFA said in a statement that Zenit could appeal the decision. within three days of receipt of the written notice.

Sources

• Partial stadium closure for Olympiacos and Zenit // UEFA. 2013. 17 December.