Partizan facing Uefa sanctions

Partizan Belgrade are facing Uefa sanctions after the governing body opened disciplinary proceedings for the anti-Semitic banner displayed by some of their fans against Tottenham.

Their intense, goalless Europa League encounter in Serbia on Thursday night was overshadowed by a banner displayed at Partizan Stadium throughout the Group C opener.

The words on the well-known Only Fools and Horses logo were changed to ‘Only Jews and Pussies’ in reference to Spurs’ strong, historical association with London’s Jewish community.

Partizan issued a lengthy apology for the “mindless act” by some of their support, claiming their actions make the country’s fight to stamp out discrimination “worthless”.

The club have vowed to weed out the perpetrators but that has not proved enough to stop Uefa taking action, with the governing body confirming yesterday that it will address the matter at the start of next month.

“The case will be dealt by the Uefa control, ethics and disciplinary body on October 3,” a statement said.

Meanwhile West Brom coach Alan Irvine has defended under-fire Jonas Olsson and insisted he should not be hung out to dry at West Brom.

The defender has made costly mistakes in the Baggies’ last two games with his position under threat as Joleon Lescott nears a return from a knee injury ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Tottenham.

Olsson’s gaffes cost goals in defeats to Swansea and Everton but Irvine has backed the Sweden international to recover.

He said: “I’d like to think that Jonas’ career would be judged over a long period rather than a couple of games.

“He’s an international player, he’s played hundreds of games and he’s played really well without making mistakes.

“I don’t think we can necessarily look at two mistakes in two games as being the start of a worrying trend.”