Chelsea fined for fans running onto the pitch and throwing things in Malmo

The slow wheels of UEFA justice (“justice”) keep on turning, with a the governing body announcing a few new fines and punishments for various offences occurring in Europa League matches at the end of February. Those included Chelsea's Round of 32 first leg trip to Sweden, where the Blues won 2-1 against Malmo FF.

After the final whistle, “at least four fans from the home stands” ran onto the pitch, with one of them hugging Eden Hazard, who diffused the situation by giving the fan his shirt and then downplaying the incident afterwards.

Even though nothing bad happened in this instance, such situations are best avoided. UEFA are correct in looking into them, although in this case they decided to fine Chelsea rather than the hosts. It’s a small fine, but still a bit odd that only Chelsea were fined for this infraction.

Malmo meanwhile copped fines, almost four times as much, for fireworks and throwing objects.

Charges against Malmö FF:
- Setting off of fireworks - Art. 16 (2) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations
- Throwing of objects - Art. 16 (2) DR

Decision: The CEDB has decided to fine Malmö FF €58,000.

Charges against Chelsea FC:
- Throwing of objects - Art. 16 (2) DR
- Field invasions by supporters - Art. 16 (2) DR

Decision: The CEDB has decided to fine Chelsea FC €13,000.

-source: UEFA

In related news, UEFA announced late last week that Chelsea’s match against Slavia Prague in Prague will be played in a partially closed stadium. Slavia have been ordered to close three sectors after crowd disturbances in their Round of 32 match against KRC Genk.