In the wake of the crowd trouble and delayed kick-off ahead of Arsenal’s 3-1 Europa League win over Cologne earlier this month, UEFA opened up disciplinary proceedings against both sides.
The charges against the German side were:
- Crowd disturbances – Art. 16 (2) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations
- Setting off fireworks – Art. 16 (2) DR
- Throwing of objects – Art. 16 (2) DR
- Acts of damage – Art. 16 (2) DR
While Arsenal were charged with:
• Stairways blocked in away supporters sector – Art. 38 of UEFA Safety & Security Regulations
In a statement on their website today, UEFA have revealed their initial findings, which are basically that they need to investigate further.
They said:
The CEDB (Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body)has decided to appoint an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to initiate the appropriate disciplinary investigations. The Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector will contact both clubs in order to evaluate the scope of their respective responsibility as regards the incidents connected to this match.
It is not known when a verdict will be reached.
Watch both teams get a bigger punishment than teams found guilty of rampant racism.
The more I think about this, the more it concerns me just because of how Uefa, and FIFA for that matter think, and how they could blow this waaaay out of proportion: “Stairways blocked in away supporters sector” The reason they were blocked was because Koln fans went from the home sections into the away sections, and there was not enough seats (not that they were sitting anyway). They did this despite lots of staff and police. This can happy in ANY game at ANY time. The only ways to stop it would be to go back to mixed seating… Read more »
I wouldn’t fear the worst. Our charge is mild and will result in a small fine.
As it’s a German team, shouldn’t we fear the wurst?
you’re such a brat
Your response is just an attempt to curry favour.
I personally don’t think the sanctions will be stroganoff..wait I’m playing the wrong game
Safe to say our charges are a little mild ?
Bild? Anyone?
The irony of being investigated by a UEFA ethics committee is not entirely lost on me.
The charges leveled at Arsenal in this case are minor, and Koln should be on the receiving end of most of them, as should their fans. When you purchase a ticket, and enter a stadium, you are agreeing to a code of conduct. Should you fail to adhere, then you can be held accountable.
However, we are seen as a wealthy club, and UEFA are, if nothing else, greedy. As I am ever the pessimist, I expect that we will have as heavy a financial penalty as Koln do.
We delayed a game, which means TV companies’ precious schedules were put out, this is way more serious than fans chanting fascist or racist stuff, far serious…you’re messing with money.
Call me crazy, but kinda hoping they just kick us out of the competition. That way we don’t have to worry about throwing in the towel, or the distraction of trying to win it.