Everton have been fined for the crowd trouble at Goodison Park during last month’s Europa League game versus Hajduk Split, but was it warranted?
UEFA has spoken and now Everton must pay the price. Literally.
As reported by BBC Sport, the Blues have been fined £8,837 by UEFA. They were charged with the throwing of objects during last month’s Europa League game versus Hajduk Split, at Goodison Park.
However, the fine was nothing compared to the one handed out to Hajduk, who must pay £35,348. They were charged with throwing objects, crowd disturbances, field invasions by fans and acts of damage.
As reported by the Echo‘s Phil Kirkbride, the last charge is significant, with the Croatian club also needing to reach an agreement with the Blues, over the cost of damages. The Hajduk supporters caused the damage, by ripping out seats in the Lower Bullens.
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For some people, the fact Everton have been fined seems unfair. After all, it was the visiting fans who incited the trouble, which resulted in the game being delayed while police and stewards calmed the situation down.
It was clear the Hajduk supporters were looking for trouble, which kicked off after the Everton fans had the audacity to celebrate their team taking the lead. However, the reality is the Blues did deserve their fine.
As the saying goes, two wrongs don’t make a right. In this respect, even though the Hajduk fans started the trouble, the home crowd did respond, albeit nowhere near as seriously, hence the smaller fine.
At least the Blues didn’t suffer a worse fate (not that we ever believed anything more than a fine was going to be the case). In addition, don’t be surprised if their invoice for damages exceeds £8,837…
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What’s your take on the Blues’ fine? Was it deserved or not, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.