Villa fans get suspended ban for discriminatory behaviour

A corner flag with AVFC stitched into it flutters in the breeze during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Everton FC at Villa Park on August 20, 2023Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Aston Villa last played in the Champions League in the 2024-25 season

By
Football issues correspondent
  • Published

Aston Villa could be banned from selling tickets for a European away game next season following an incident at the Europa League final.

Villa beat Freiburg 3-0 in Istanbul on 20 May with goals from Youri Tielemens, Morgan Rogers and Emi Buendia.

But the Villans were subsequently charged by Uefa over racist and/or discriminatory behaviour of their supporters during the game.

BBC Sport understands a banner was displayed which was of an offensive and derogatory nature.

On Wednesday, Uefa announced that Villa had been fined €10,000 (£8,600) and their fans given a suspended ban from attending a game.

A Uefa statement said the "ban from selling tickets to its away supporters is suspended for a probationary period of two years, starting from the date of the present decision".

If there is a repeat of the behaviour Uefa can trigger the ban.

Villa earned a return to the Champions League next season by finishing fourth in the Premier League, though they also earned the right by lifting the Europa League trophy.

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