August 9 – Aberdeen fans are crying foul following UEFA’s decision to open disciplinary proceedings against them because of crowd trouble at the recent Europa League tie against Apollon Limassol in Cyprus.
The Scottish club have been charged with crowd disturbances and having no stewards travelling with their support, in contravention of UEFA regulations.
According to agency reports, riot police moved into the away section as Aberdeen fans clashed with stewards following the final whistle.
Apollon were charged by UEFA with improper conduct by their team, who received five yellow cards, and with the setting off of fireworks and throwing of objects. A UEFA disciplinary panel will hear the case on August 17.
A handful of Aberdeen fans have contacted this website pointing the finger squarely at the hosts and questioning why their team was sanctioned.
One fan, who asked not to be identified, emailed Insideworldfootball saying drinks cartons containing urine were thrown into the Aberdeen goal area and that the Aberdeen management team and officials were spat at during the match in their technical area.
“On the pitch, the Limassol players’ play-acting and general deception was the stuff of legend,” he added.
“It’s another example of the uneven playing field you have to put up with right from the word go when you go to some of these countries and UEFA seem blind to the truth of the manner.”
Another fan, Matthew Knowles, criticised Insideworldfootball for “misrepresenting” Aberdeen with our reporting of what occurred and not reflecting “the true nature of the goings on.” Yet he did not himself attend the game, instead watching on television.
“The Apollon fans were a disgrace and frankly the referee was weak,” wrote Knowles. “No team should have to endure intimidation of that level, it’s a scandal. It’s a disgrace and why Apollon are able to advance in the competition is beyond me.”
Maybe it’s because they scored more goals and conceded fewer than Aberdeen over the two legs, hard to stomach for a club that expected to go a lot further in the competition.
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