UEFA face a massive dilemma this morning as they deal with the thorny issue of ‘political banners’ inside football grounds.
Celtic were hit with a £20,000 fine last week for illicit banners unfurled during the Champions League qualifier against Rosenborg but last night Legia Warsaw took things to another level entirely.
Clearly pre-planned a massive tifo display covering an entire stand remembered the 73rd anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising which saw 160,000 people killed by the Germans.
For added impact worldwide the banner carried an explanation in English.
“Green Brigade fined for political banner”
Legia Warsaw: “hold my beer…” pic.twitter.com/6203hiamev
— smactive (@stmirrenactive) August 2, 2017
Legia Warsaw’s display at home to FC Astana tonight. They’ll probably be getting a phone call from UEFA later on… pic.twitter.com/ptLzVXRrrd
— BenchWarmers ?? (@BeWarmers) August 2, 2017
Football enjoys being the game of the people but it’s difficult to divorce 90 minutes on the park with the lives of the people off it- the fans that bring passion to the stadium that attracts sponsors and their cheques.
On the park there was nothing for Legia to celebrate with a 1-0 win over Astana not enough to turn around the 3-1 defeat in the first leg.
Last season UEFA forced the closure of Legia’s stadium after multiple outbreaks of violence during a Champions League defeat at home to Borussia Dortmund.
