Barcelona sanctioned by UEFA over offensive banners during AS Monaco clash | OneFootball

Barcelona’s Champions League campaign this season did not start on the best of notes, as the club succumbed to a loss to AS Monaco.

However, apart from the disappointing result, a section of Barcelona fans came under fire for showcasing an offensive slogan at Monaco’s home stadium.

The banner, which read, “Flick Heil” was a direct reference to the dark era of Nazi rule in Germany under Adolf Hitler.

While fans’ intention may have been to simply acknowledge Barcelona’s excellent start to the season under Hansi Flick, the manner in which it was done left a bad taste in the mounts of many, with Barcelona’s vice-president notably calling these fans out.

UEFA sanctions Barcelona

Now, as reported by Arancha Rodriguez (h/t SPORT), even UEFA have sanctioned Barcelona for the offensive slogans carried by a section of their fans in Monaco.

A section of the Barcelona fans are under fire for questionable banners (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

As part of the sanction, Barcelona will have to pay a fine of €10,000, but more importantly, the Catalans will be barred from selling tickets to its fans for its next away game.

Barcelona’s next away game is against Red Star on November 6. The club’s inability to sell tickets, therefore, could be a massive blow as the players may have a tough time in Belgrade, in front of the imposing and often violent, Red Star Ultras.

The lack of away support could greatly impact Barcelona, who cannot afford another slip-up if they are to finish within the top eight in the Champions League league stage this season.

It remains to be seen whether or not Barcelona appeal against this sanction and urge the footballing body to perhaps ease the restrictions.