[Warning: This article contains language and a picture containing words which some readers may find offensive.]
Partizan Belgrade have been fined £31,430 and will be forced to play their next Europa League match in a partially closed stadium after a section of their supporters displayed an anti-Semitic banner against Tottenham Hotspur during the two clubs’ opening group stage encounter in September.
The club will have to close the ‘K’ section of their stadium when they face the Turkish club Bestikas on Thursday October 23rd.
A statement from UEFA read: “The fight against racism is a high priority for UEFA. The European governing body has a zero-tolerance policy towards racism and discrimination on the field and in the stands.”
“All forms of racist behavior are considered serious offenses against the disciplinary regulations and are punished with the most severe sanctions.”
“Following the entry into force of new disciplinary regulations in June 2013, the fight against racist conduct has been slapped up a level – resulting in stricter penalties to deter any such behavior.”
On September 18th, during Partizan’s Group C opener against Tottenham, an anti-Semitic banner was unveiled.
The sign read: ‘Only Jews and Pussies’ – which alluded to the British television comedy, Only Fools and Horses.
UEFA officials were made aware of the banner at halftime, but no effort was made to take it down.
Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino branded the sign ‘unacceptable’ and ‘disrespectful’.
The following day, Partizan Belgrade apologized for the banner and emphasized that the message of the banner was “completely opposite to history and tradition of our club, and our fans’ aspirations.”
This is the second time the Serbian club has been sanctioned by UEFA in recent years. In 2007, Partizan were thrown out of the UEFA Cup and fined for rioting during a first qualifying round first-leg clash at Zrinjski Mostar
