UEFA punishes PAOK, Rapid

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29 August 2012-PA Sport

PAOK and Rapid Vienna have been punished by UEFA after the crowd disturbances that marred their Europa League play-off first leg in Salonika.

PAOK has been ordered to play its next three UEFA competition home matches behind closed doors and been fined 150,000 euros ($181,712).

Rapid has been fined 75,000 euros ($90,856) and must play its next European home game behind closed doors.

The punishment does not apply to the return leg of the play-off in Vienna on Thursday evening (Friday morning AEST). PAOK leads the tie 2-1 after the first leg.

In addition, both clubs have been threatened with two-year competition bans if they are found guilty of similar offences in the next three years.

Rapid was charged over the improper conduct of supporters after a number of its fans threw flares at PAOK supporters. PAOK was charged over the conduct of supporters and insufficient organisation after some of its fans retaliated by invading the pitch and throwing flares into the away stand.

Both clubs have three days to appeal the ruling after receipt of UEFA's formal decision.