Tottenham criticise UEFA’s decision to fine Barcelona just £17,500 as club say they have ‘grave concerns’ that the punishment ‘will not act as enough of a deterrent to avoid a repeat’ of trouble which marred draw at the Nou Camp
- Spurs supporters were assaulted by stewards and security staff in Barcelona
- Unpleasant scenes occurred inside and outside of the Nou Camp in December
- Tottenham and Barcelona drew 1-1 in their final Champions League group game
- UEFA fined Barcelona £17,500 for what they called ‘insufficient organisation’
- Spurs believe the sanction will ‘not act as enough of a deterrent’ to stop a repeat
Tottenham have blasted the £17,500 fine for Barcelona and warned they have ‘grave concerns’ it will not act as a deterrent for future trouble.
Barcelona were punished after an investigation by UEFA found there was ‘insufficient organisation’ at the Champions League group game at the Nou Camp in December.
Stewards and security staff were filmed assaulting Spurs fans with batons both inside and outside the stadium leaving some with injuries from which they are yet to fully recover.
Spurs fans were filmed being struck with batons by security staff at the Nou Camp last year
The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters Trust (THST) branded the fine ‘insulting’ and ‘utterly inadequate’ and are promising to take legal advice on the matter.
‘The safety and wellbeing of our supporters is paramount to the Club when traveling both domestically and overseas,’ said a Tottenham spokesman. ‘The treatment our fans received in Barcelona some six months ago was completely unacceptable, something UEFA has acknowledged, and some are still recovering as a result of this ordeal.
‘We went to great lengths, along with the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust, to gather evidence so UEFA could take appropriate action. We thank them for assisting us in gathering the necessary information.
‘No visiting supporters should have to experience what our fans went through that night again. We have grave concerns, however, that the punishment imposed will not act as enough of a deterrent to avoid a repeat.’
Violent scenes unfolded during a Champions League match between Barcelona and Spurs
The THST, which submitted a detailed account of what happened that night in Barcelona to UEFA along with the club’s official complaint and observations from the FA, issued the following statement on Saturday.
‘The fine imposed on Barcelona is less than some of our fans who have been left unable to work as a result of being assaulted will lose in earnings. It is twice the amount THFC has been fined for the team allegedly arriving on the pitch late for a game last month. And it is an inconsequential amount for a club as rich as Barcelona.
‘This decision by UEFA sends clear signals. It says supporters are fair game for security staff to do what they want to. It says that broadcast rights and kick-off times are more important than supporter safety. And it says UEFA is unfit for purpose.
‘We share the grave concerns of our club that the punishment imposed will not act as enough of a deterrent to avoid a repeat. THST will be taking advice, including legal advice, on our next steps. We are determined to secure justice for our fans.’
A video uploaded by a Spurs supporter appeared to show stadium staff striking away fans
