One Match, Multiple Scandals: UEFA Punishes CSKA Sofia After Shocking Fan Behavior

UEFA has imposed strict disciplinary action on Bulgarian club CSKA Sofia following racist gestures, crowd violence and fan disorder during its Europa League first qualifying round match against Derry City, underlining the governing body's zero-tolerance stance against discrimination and stadium misconduct.

The incidents occurred during CSKA Sofia's 2-1 victory over Derry City in Northern Ireland last Thursday, a match that was halted for around 15 minutes after disorder erupted in the stands.

UEFA fined the Bulgarian club €50,000 and banned it from selling tickets for one away match after supporters were found guilty of throwing objects, causing damage and creating crowd disturbances. The sanction will take effect when CSKA travels to face Qarabag in Azerbaijan in the next qualifying round.

The club was also punished for racist and discriminatory behaviour after video footage circulated on social media showed a CSKA supporter making Nazi salutes while Derry City fans displayed an anti-fascist banner. For that offence, UEFA imposed an additional one-match away ticket ban, suspended for two years on probation.

The unrest escalated when sections of CSKA supporters moved through a neutral area of the stadium toward Derry fans, confronting security personnel. The situation forced several home supporters, including children, onto the playing area as they sought safety.

UEFA also fined a CSKA club official €5,000 for violating standards of decent conduct and ordered the club to compensate Derry City for damage caused inside the stadium.

Derry City was not spared either. The Irish club received a €20,000 fine after UEFA ruled that its supporters had effectively invaded the field during the disturbance.

Despite winning the match, Derry City exited the Europa League 5-3 on aggregate and will now continue its European campaign in the UEFA Conference League qualifying rounds, where it faces Croatian side Rijeka.