The Uefa provisions say the offence occurs where:
“one or more of a member association or club’s supporters engage in… behaviour which… insults the human dignity of a person or group of persons on whatever grounds, including skin colour, race, religion or ethnic origin”
The “F” word has been found to be racist and sectarian under Scots Law, so it’s hardly a surprise that it is being treated as such by UEFA, but in any event the UEFA regulations ban either. So this supposed distinction between whether the word is racist or sectarian is sophistry – using it puts us in breach of UEFA’s rules.
For a bit of context, a second offence will result in 1 match being played behind closed doors + 50,000 Euro fine. Any further offences beyond that will result in closed doors games, potential forfeiture of a match, deduction of points etc
One of the proudest things in recent years has been seeing the club back on the European stage after all the shite we’ve been through. It’s gutting that is at risk of being spoiled and that the club’s named is being blackened in this way by idiots.
Yes, I get that we are singled out, and I get that folk believe they should be able to sing what they like, but this isn’t an argument we’re going to win. The world has moved on and we are making ourselves an easy target for our enemies.
I hope to %^*& folk can now see fit to put the club ahead of themselves.
Finally, although the delay in proceedings does seem odd, in fact Levski Sofia also received the same punishment today for conduct during the first round qualifying match on 11th July.