Arsenal cleared but Galatasaray fined over Champions League flares

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/oct/20/arsenal-galatasaray-champions-league-flares-uefa

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Uefa has dropped its disciplinary proceedings against Arsenal in regards to their Champions League meeting with Galatasaray this month.

The London club had been charged with “insufficient organisation (lack of body searching)” after fireworks and missiles were thrown on to the Emirates Stadium pitch during a 4-1 home win on 1 October.

A statement published by European football’s governing body on Monday confirmed disciplinary proceedings against Arsenal had been closed and that Galatasaray have been fined €50,000 (£39,570).

The statement added: “The Turkish team have also been ordered to contact Arsenal FC within 30 days for the settlement of the damages caused by its supporters.”

Several flares were thrown on to the pitch towards the end of the first half from the section where the 3,000 travelling Galatasaray supporters were located, causing the Group D match to be briefly halted.

Arsenal stewards conducted searches of bags on the turnstiles, when six flares and fireworks were confiscated, although some were still smuggled in by Turkish supporters. Arsenal reported damage to about 100 seats in the away end.

Also punished by Uefa on Monday were the Swiss club Basel, who have been fined €40,000 (£31,640) after objects were thrown by home fans during their 1-0 Champions League victory over Liverpool at St Jakob Park on 1 October.

The Andorran Football Federation has been fined €10,000 (£7,920) and the Football Association of Wales €5,000 (£3,960) after visiting fans invaded the Andorra la Vella pitch on 9 September.