MX23RW : Friday, November 15 16:52:09| >> :120:34331:34331:

Wales FA unhappy with decision to ban fans from Slovakia clash

Wales FA unhappy with decision to ban fans from Slovakia clash
© Reuters
More than 2,000 Welsh fans were expected to make the trip to Trnava.

The Football Association of Wales has expressed disappointment that travelling fans will not be allowed to attend the national team's Euro 2020 qualifier in Slovakia after UEFA ordered it to be played behind closed doors.

Slovakia have been punished over racist chanting from supporters during their 2-1 victory in Hungary last month and, as well as being fined 20,000 euros (£17,570), have been told no spectators will be permitted at their next competitive home game.

That comes on October 10, when Ryan Giggs' men are due to visit the Stadion Antona Malatinskeho in Trnava for a crucial Group E fixture.

An FAW statement read: "The FAW is incredibly disappointed as the impact of this decision will harshly affect our supporters who have already incurred the costs of travel and accommodation to attend this match to support the Wales national team.

"The FAW is currently making strong representations to UEFA about this unfair impact on the 2,137 fans who have purchased tickets for this match. Our supporters have an excellent reputation and do not deserve to be punished in the same way as the small section of the fans whose conduct has been reprimanded by the imposed UEFA sanction.

"The FAW is also deeply frustrated in the communication of this decision to the association, which has generated a lot of unfair frustration and uncertainty for the association and the supporters.

"UEFA has advised that the FAW is unable to appeal against the decision not to allow Wales fans into the stadium. The FAW understands that the Slovakian FA intend on submitting an appeal against the decision of the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body and will continuously monitor the situation."

Daniel James scored Wales' winner against Slovakia in Cardiff
Daniel James scored Wales' winner against Slovakia in Cardiff (Nick Potts/PA)

The Slovak Football Association announced the sanction – and indicated its intention to appeal – on Sunday, but it was only formally confirmed by the European governing body on Monday afternoon.

A UEFA statement read: "The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body has decided: to order the Slovak Football Association to play its next UEFA competition match as host association behind closed doors, for the racist behaviour of its supporters; to fine the Slovak Football Association with 20,000 euros."

Hungary have been hit with a similar penalty for the same offence, although the Hungarian Football Federation has been fined a total of 67,125 euros (£58,960) after also facing charges over the behaviour of its players and spectators throwing objects and setting off fireworks.

Wales, who beat Slovakia 1-0 in Cardiff in March courtesy of Daniel James' early strike, currently sit in fourth place in the group, four points behind leaders Croatia and three adrift of both Slovakia and Hungary having played a game fewer than all three.

ID:372558: cacheID:372558:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:5838:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Marek Hamsik during a Slovakia press conference on March 23, 2019
Read Next:
Slovakia's Marek Hamsik cautious of "aggressive" Wales side
>
Read more about Ryan Giggs Football
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool119112161528
2Manchester CityMan City117222213923
3Chelsea115422113819
4Arsenal115421812619
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest115421510519
6Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton115421915419
7Fulham115331613318
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
9Aston Villa115331717018
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1151523131016
11Brentford115152222016
12Bournemouth114341515015
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd114341212015
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Leicester CityLeicester112451421-710
16Everton112451017-710
17Ipswich TownIpswich111551222-108
18Crystal Palace11146815-77
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves111371627-116
20Southampton11119721-144


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!