UEFA fines CSKA Sofia and Derry City
UEFA sanctioned CSKA Sofia and Derry City after crowd trouble at the Ryan McBride Brandywell, with CSKA receiving a €30,000 fine, a ban on selling away-match tickets, and a further €20,000 fine for racist/ discriminatory conduct, while Derry City were fined €20,000 and had a partial stadium closure suspended for two years. Both clubs were also ordered to cover damages to stadium seats and to address incidents involving supporters invading the pitch and throwing objects during the Europa League qualifier and related matches. UEFA’s decisions come after chaotic scenes that paused the game and led to players briefly leaving the pitch, with the governing body demanding a settlement between the clubs for damages. The penalties for CSKA include an additional staff misconduct fine and a separate one-match spectator ban suspended for two years, and Derry City acknowledged its supporters’ role in the disturbances. The rulings underscore ongoing enforcement against crowd disturbances in European competition and the potential for further sanctions pending investigations, including possible lifetime bans for identified offenders.
