UEFA sting: OM fined €80,500 for incidents at the Velodrome

UEFA strike: Olympique Marseille has been fined €80,500 following fan incidents against Olympiacos in the Europa League.

Details of the sanctions

The club received two sanctions from UEFA for the behaviour of its fans during the Europa League home match against Olympiacos, lost 1-0 on October 15. According to the French press, OM will have to pay a total fine of €80,500. The first sanction, €30,500, concerns the use of pyrotechnic material in the stands of the Velodrome, while another €50,000 was imposed for the banners displayed by the South Stand.

During the match there were no shortage of tense episodes: before kickoff offensive messages aimed at Olympiacos appeared, accompanied by provocative gestures towards the Greek side. This attitude was also linked to the relations between the Marseille ultras and those of AEK Athens, historic rivals of the Piraeus club. UEFA also challenged a political message displayed by the South Winners, a historic supporters group of OM, with the inscription “Support for our youth”, an element prohibited by the European body’s regulations.

The sanctions come at a positive moment for Bruno Genesio’s side, coming off a run of six wins in the last eight games. After defeats to Olympiacos and Sturm Graz, Marseille has lifted its head by winning in Leverkusen and remains in contention for a Europa League playoff spot. Now the club must avoid further disciplinary episodes so as not to further aggravate an already delicate financial situation.