UEFA announced on Friday that Barcelona cannot sell tickets to its fans for the next away game in the Champions League because some spectators displayed a banner with Nazi references about the team’s new German coach.
During a 2-1 loss to Monaco last week, a black flag with the words “Flick Heil,” referring to coach Hansi Flick, was shown.
UEFA stated that the club is facing charges of “racism and/or other discriminatory conduct,” and the punishment will take effect on Nov. 6 when Barcelona plays against Red Star Belgrade.
This ban on ticket sales is part of a probationary measure that UEFA imposed on Barcelona last season. In April, fans made Nazi salutes during a Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain.
Barcelona recognized that it has received “repeated sanctions both domestically and internationally” for the actions of its fans during both home and away games.
“The club is set to strengthen current measures and adopt suitable further initiatives to prevent future occurrences and apply sanctions to those responsible,” the statement said.
Fans who have already purchased tickets for the game in Belgrade will receive refunds, according to the club.
UEFA also fined Barcelona 10,000 euros ($11,000) and imposed a new probationary measure for any repeat offenses in the next year, which could lead to another ticket sales ban for one away game in a European competition.
