UK Edition
Liverpool contact Uefa over Spartak Moscow sanctions as fans begin to make travel plans for Champions League trip to Russia
Liverpool have written to Uefa seeking clarification on whether disciplinary proceedings against Spartak Moscow will have any impact on the forthcoming Champions League meeting in Russia.
Europe’s governing body have charged Spartak amid unruly scenes in their opening group fixture against Slovenian side Maribor on Wednesday evening, the club’s fans accused of setting off fireworks and throwing missiles.
Uefa will determine what action to take on September 21 – just five days before Liverpool play in the Russian capital. One of the numerous possible sanctions is for the fixture to be played behind closed doors, which would have an impact on the Liverpool supporters planning to attend the game.
Such is Liverpool’s concern they contacted Uefa to ensure they are fully informed of developments, and are also seeking guarantees of supporters’ safety. Uefa are offering no guidance on any potential action while disciplinary procedures are open.
A full stadium closure would see away fans banned as well as the Spartak supporters.
Spartak could escape with a reprimand, a warning or a fine depending on how seriously the incident is viewed. Referee Deniz Aytekin narrowly avoided injury when the missile landed on the pitch.
“We do not make any comment on open disciplinary cases,” Uefa said this afternoon.
“The decision of the disciplinary body will be announced on 21 September.”
Liverpool have 1,145 tickets for the fixture which will go on sale as planned on Friday. Those who go ahead and pay for the considerable cost of travel will now be sweating on Uefa’s decision.
English fans have paid a price for Eastern Europe’s hooligan problems on several occasions recently. Manchester City were twice forced to play behind closed doors against opposition in Russia and Ukraine, playing CSKA Moscow in an empty stadium in October 2014 and Dynamo Kiev in the round of 16 in 2016.
On both occasions City’s fans complained they had already made travel arrangements, although in those cases they were given longer than five days before being notified of Uefa’s decision.