Benfica warn fans over suspended UEFA sanction before Europa League trip to St. Gallen | OneFootball

Benfica have warned supporters ahead of the Europa League second qualifying round first leg at St. Gallen, reminding fans the club remains under a suspended UEFA sanction.

The club said in a statement that any use of pyrotechnics or other prohibited behaviour could bring immediate consequences in European competitions. It thanked fans for their unwavering backing and urged passionate but responsible support in Portugal and abroad.

Benfica were sanctioned by UEFA after incidents during the 17 February first leg of the European play-off against Real Madrid. The body imposed a one-year suspended penalty and ordered the partial closure of 500 seats in sectors 10 and 11 at Estádio da Luz, citing racist and discriminatory conduct by some supporters.

UEFA also took into account Benfica’s response, which included identifying those involved, suspending their Red Passes and opening disciplinary cases that could lead to expulsion from membership, factors that contributed to a lighter sanction.

The tie in Switzerland is Benfica’s Europa League opener, the first leg of the second qualifying round.

Source: Glorioso 1904