UEFA punishes Atletico Madrid for racism.
UEFA has confirmed that “at least 5,000 seats” will be closed at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium for Atletico Madrid’s match against Manchester City on Wednesday night.
The penalty is related to the alleged “discriminatory behavior” of Los Cholchoneros fans during the first match in the Champions League at the Etihad last Tuesday, which City won 1-0. The capacity of Atletico’s stadium is now expected to be reduced to 63,456.
“The UEFA Appellate Body has announced the following decision which will affect the participation of fans in UEFA matches”, it is said in a statement of the European football house on Monday evening.
“To order the partial closure of the stadium of Club Atletico de Madrid during the next (one) match of the UEFA competition in which Club Atletico de Madrid would play as the host club, for the discriminatory behavior of their supporters.”
“Atletico de Madrid will inform before the match the sector (s) that will be closed, which must have at least 5000 seats.”
To order Club Atletico de Madrid to implement the following directive in the next match of the UEFA competition that the club will play as the host club: to place a banner with the wording “#NoToRacism” – with the UEFA logo on it “, It is further stated in their announcement.
This is the second time UEFA has ordered Atletico to close part of their stadium following allegations of racism. A racist banner was seen among the Spanish club’s supporters during their 3-0 victory in the Europa League final against Marseille in 2019.