Zenit avoid Champions League disqualification

UEFA’s Disciplinary Committee have made their decision in the case of the outrageous behavior of Zenit Saint Petersburg fans in the Champions League home clash against APOEL in November.

­According to Sport Den za Dnem, the European football’s governing body have opted for a fine and several games on probation at the Russian champs’ home ground, Petrovsky stadium.

It means if supporters misbehave again, Zenit may end up playing their European games in an empty stadium or even on a neutral field.  

The information comes from unofficial sources as UEFA are planning to inform the Russian club of their ruling on Monday.

The punishment is likely to be viewed as mild as many Russian experts had anticipated more serious sanctions, including banishment from the Champions League.

The St. Pete side’s supporters disrupted play by setting off smoke bombs during their team’s home match against Cypriot side APOEL on November 23, with the referee saying he was close to canceling the encounter.

Zenit have made it to the Champions League knockout stages for the first time in the club’s history, coming second in Group G.

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