Zenit and Marseille brought to book
Thursday, April 17, 2008
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Semi-finalists FC Zenit St. Petersburg and Olympique de Marseille have been fined following disturbances involving both sets of supporters at UEFA Cup games.
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Zenit have been fined €8,000 after fans set off fireworks and a smoke bomb during their 1-0 home win against Villarreal CF on 13 February. The Russian club have also been fined a further €10,000 after visiting supporters erected a political banner during Zenit's 3-1 Round of 16 defeat at Marseille on 6 March and refused to take it down, prompting a confrontation with police.
Missile throwing
Marseille, meanwhile, have been fined €20,000 after their fans threw missiles and set off fireworks at the same game. Allegations that Zenit fans racially abused Marseille players during the return leg at the Petrovsky Stadium on 12 March, which Zenit won 2-0, will be heard by UEFA's Control and Disciplinary Body on 8 May.