Red Star Belgrade successfully appeal Champions League stadium ban

Red Star Belgrade fans will be able to attend their opening Champions League group game against Napoli after UEFA partially overturned a stadium ban previously imposed on the club.

Serbian champions Red Star sealed a return to Europe’s elite competition for the first time since 1992 with a 2-2 draw against FC Salzburg, qualifying on away goals.

Red Star and Napoli have been drawn with Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool in Group C, but their fans looked set to miss out on the club’s first home game in the competition after UEFA issued a two-match stadium ban following crowd trouble during their qualifying match with Suduva on July 24.

However, following an appeal, UEFA has reduced the punishment to a one-game ban – already served in the first leg of their qualifying play-off match against Salzburg, and a €72,000 fine.

It’s @PSG_English , @en_sscnapoli and @LFC in the @ChampionsLeague Group C. Are you happy with the draw, Zvezda fans? #fkcz #ucl

— FK Crvena zvezda in English (@crvenazvezda_en) August 30, 2018

Red Star, European Cup winners in 1991, kick-off their Champions League campaign against Napoli on September 18.