Uefa’s Control and Disciplinary Committee has imposed a fine of £2,520 on Lyon for “incidents of an unsporting nature”.
This comes after an incident at the Stade Gerland during the first leg of the Lyon-Manchester United Champions League 2nd round last month where a fan behind the Lyon goal targeted Cristiano Ronaldo with a laser pen. However, Uefa made it a point to clarify that “there was no suggestion Ronaldo’s health could have been affected by this incident” – how thoughtful of them.
Soccerlens can also confirm that Cristiano Ronaldo did not go down after this ‘targeting’ – but instead ‘rode the challenge’ and took his shot on goal. Is this proof that the Portuguese goal-machine is mending his ways?
Bolton Wanderers were fined £5,000 for crowd disturbances during their Uefa Cup match against Atletico Madrid on 21 February – Atletico Madrid were fined £15,000 after fans threw missiles and fireworks during the match.
Everton, meanwhile, were fined £2,520 after fans invaded the field and three missiles during their Uefa Cup match at SK Brann of Norway on 13 February.
Bolton can appeal against the decision, but Everton’s punishment is final (I suppose you can’t argue that the players provoked the field invasion).
The fines are clearly meant for effect rather than serious punitive measures (it’s not like this is a non-league competition and the clubs can’t afford the fines), which means that as unless something drastic happens (and Uefa is forced to ban a club or get them to play in an empty stadium – or a neutral one), clubs will not be pushed to make the changes necessary to bring the rowdy element in their fans under control.
Of course, shining a laser light at a player is hardly cause for a fine – but can you imagine if a whole stand shined laser lights on a player right before he was taking a shot? You couldn’t blame a player for going down as if he’s been shot. Well, maybe not…
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