UEFA have begun a disciplinary hearing over political banners at the Stade Vélodrome
As reported by Foot Mercato this morning, UEFA have opened a disciplinary hearing following the presence of political banners during the Europa Conference League game between Marseille and Qarabag on Thursday night.
The game had previously been recognised as a potential risk, as a result of the significant Armenian population in the southern French city and the ongoing tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the country where Qarabag is situated.
During the game, Marseille fans presented a banner written in English that read “Qarabag is Armenia.” This was accompanied by Armenian flags and chants.
UEFA stated that “provocative messages of a political, ideological, religious or insulting nature” are banned in stadiums. Marseille have also been targeted for the use of flares during the game.