City fans before last month’s top-of-the-table clash with Dundalk.
Credit: Michael P Ryan
Cork City have been fined €3,000 by UEFA for the use of smoke bombs by fans during their Champions League qualification defeat to Legia Warsaw at Turner’s Cross.
The reigning League of Ireland champions fell to a 1-0 defeat thanks to Michael Kucharczyk’s late strike, and had more bad news when the official report arrived after the game.
UEFA officials observed the use of six smoke bombs during the game and, after the club appealed for leniency, the organising body handed down the four-figure sanction.
“Cork City FC this morning received a fine from UEFA for the use of smoke bombs at the Champions League home qualifying fixture on 10th July at Turner’s Cross,” a club statement read.
“This fine is €3,000 and the largest fine the club has ever received.
“Upon receiving the UEFA report shortly after the game, detailing the use of 6 smoke bombs, the club appealed for leniency to UEFA based on several factors, including our excellent track record.
“We are certain that this kept the fine to a minimum.
“While this recent fixture was an historic night for the club, with success and praise for the operations and security of the game, this is a huge disappointment for the club.
“We are deeply frustrated and angered that the actions of a handful of individuals have resulted in a sanction that the club can ill afford.
“We are reviewing our match night operations and security, as we do throughout the season, and the UEFA report review will be a priority for us, particularly with our upcoming home Europa League fixture in August.
“Should there be a repeat of these, or any, pyrotechnics it is likely that the club will be sanctioned with an even higher fine.
“The club appeals to the fans for their cooperation to ensure this doesn’t occur.”
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