The 2024-25 UEFA Champions League campaign for Barcelona got off to a bad start as the team lost to AS Monaco.
In addition to the disheartening outcome, some Barcelona supporters faced criticism for displaying a derogatory sign at Monaco’s home stadium.
The banner’s message, “Flick Heil,” was a clear allusion to Adolf Hitler’s horrific period of Nazi rule in Germany.
Although the intention of the fans may have been to merely recognize Barcelona’s excellent start to the season under new boss Hansi Flick. The way it was handled left a negative impression on many, with the Catalan club’s vice-president specifically criticizing the fans.
According to SPORT as reported by Barca Universal, the Laliga giants have now been penalized by UEFA for the abusive slogans that some of their supporters in Monaco were carrying.
Barcelona will be required to pay a fine of €10,000 as part of the punishment. But more significantly, the Blaugrana will not be allowed to sell tickets to fans for their upcoming away game.
November 6 is Barcelona’s next away match against Red Star Belgrade. The players may find it difficult to make an impression in Belgrade in front of the intimidating and frequently aggressive Red Star Ultras. Therefore the club’s inability to sell tickets could be a major setback.
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Barcelona could suffer a lot from the absence of away support because they can’t afford to make another mistake if they want to place in the top eight of the Champions League stage this season.
It remains to be seen if Barca file an appeal against this penalty and urge the European football governing body to perhaps relax the sanctions.
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