UEFA have ordered Spanish club Atletico Madrid to play their next two Champions League home matches at least 300 kilometres outside of Madrid following crowd trouble earlier this month against Olympique Marseille.
European soccer's governing body said the punishment could be extended to a third home match should there be further trouble at the club within a five-year probationary period.
"Atletico were charged with a lack of organisation during the Marseille match, which led to crowd incidents, and for the improper conduct of their supporters," UEFA said on their website (www.uefa.com).
"The Spanish club were also fined €150,000 euros (US$206,100) for the offences." The Primera Liga club, who have until midday Friday to respond to the punishment, were unavailable to comment. The closure of the Calderon means Atletico will have to find alternative venues for their remaining Champions League Group D home matches against Liverpool on Oct 22, and PSV Eindhoven on Nov 26.
It also means the much-awaited return of Liverpool and Spain striker Fernando Torres to his former club will have to wait.
No comments:
Post a Comment