Pat’s set for closed doors Euro clash

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC will have to play their Europa League play-off first leg tie against top Romanian side Steaua Bucharest behind closed doors at the Ghencea Stadium on August 20, after UEFA yesterday imposed a three-match ban on spectators attending their home games in Europe.

Originally the UEFA Disciplinary Committee had imposed a fine of 50,000 Swiss francs (€32,568) on Steaua after racist banners were hoisted by fans during last month’s second-round qualifying tie against Hungarian side Ujpest Dozsa in Bucharest. Steaua went on to win that tie 4-1 on aggregate and completed a 6-1 aggregate third round win over Scottish Premier League side Motherwell on Thursday.

But yesterday the UEFA Executive overruled the fine and instead imposed a three-match home ban on spectators with the third match suspended. UEFA official David Taylor had warned every club prior to yesterday’s draw in Nyon, Switzerland that any form of racism would not be tolerated.