UEFA Fines FC Twente €83,125 over racist Incidents involving Super Eagles star
Dutch club FC Twente has been fined €83,125 by UEFA after an investigation confirmed incidents of racist and discriminatory behavior by Twente fans during their Europa League match against Lazio.
According to All Soccer Nigeria, the sanctions come after UEFA found clear evidence of racist chants directed at Lazio players, including Nigerian midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and his teammate Loum Tchaouna, in Twente’s 2-0 loss at the Grolsch Veste Stadium.
The investigation identified the Vak-P stand as the source of the racist chants, leading UEFA to take firm action. Along with the financial penalty, UEFA has ordered the partial closure of Twente’s stadium for their next home fixture against Royale Union Saint-Gilloise on November 28.
FC Twente expressed strong condemnation of the racist incidents, stating that the behavior is “unacceptable and contrary” to the club’s values. In an official statement, the club pledged to identify and penalize those responsible, including taking steps to recover the fines from the offenders. Additionally, individuals who were seen throwing drinking cups onto the field will face stadium bans.
Despite the off-field controversy, Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has continued to impress in the Europa League. Following an assist in Lazio’s victory, Dele-Bashiru has been a standout in the competition, previously scoring and assisting on his debut against Dynamo Kiev.
