Pat’s set for closed doors Euro clash
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.
After their heroics in winning on the away goals rule in the 3-3 aggregate draw against top Russian side Krylya Sovetov in Samara on Thursday, that means that St Pat’s fans will also not be able to attend the game in Bucharest. But UEFA sources hinted that a ‘handful of visiting fans’ may be able to attend the game as guests.
St Pat’s chief executive Richard Sadlier said: “What we do know that the away leg will be behind closed doors which is disappointing for our fans, a large number of whom would have wanted to experience the next game.
“And it will be particularly sad for the three fans who came with us on the trip to Russia. Because of visas and the travel arrangements, it wasn’t possible for them to be with us in Samara but I know we would have brought great numbers with us to Bucharest.”
Meanwhile, Shakhtar Donetsk will begin the defence of their Europa League crown against Turkish side Sivasspor.
Everton will take on Czech side Sigma Olomouc in the Europa League play-offs.
The Toffees, who reached the FA Cup final last season and finished fifth in the Barclays Premier League, will be at home in the first leg against the side who knocked out Aberdeen in the third qualifying round of the competition.
Hearts will face Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb, who were eliminated from the Champions League after a 3-2 aggregate defeat to Red Bull Salzburg in the third qualifying round.
Fulham’s reward for beating Vetra of Lithuania 6-0 on aggregate in the third qualifying round is a tie against Russian Premier Liga side Amkar Perm.
Amkar finished fourth in their domestic league to qualify for the competition but are only 12th in the 2009 campaign with four wins from their 16 games.
Aston Villa, who qualified for the Europa League by finishing sixth in the Premier League, were drawn against Rapid Vienna.
The Austrian side finished second in their domestic league, four points behind Red Bull Salzburg, and were denied a European trophy by an English side in 1985 when Everton beat them in the Cup Winners’ Cup final.
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