UEFA Clarifies Reasons for Fining Lille Over Chants Against Emiliano Martinez

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has clarified that the €17,500 fine imposed on French club Lille was exclusively due to offensive chants directed at Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. UEFA denied reports linking the sanction to a "tifo" depicting Joan of Arc that appeared in the stands. This clarification from the continental body aims to correct information circulated after the match between the two teams in the Europa League at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy on March 12.

UEFA confirmed in statements reported by the French newspaper "Le Parisien" that the penalty resulted from an inappropriate message during a sporting event. In this regard, a UEFA spokesperson stated, "The incident and the subsequent sanction imposed on Lille for a message incompatible with a sporting event have nothing to do with the depiction of Joan of Arc." The spokesperson clarified that the decision stemmed solely from insulting chants directed at the Aston Villa goalkeeper. During the match, fans had displayed a large artistic banner featuring the historical French figure holding a sword, accompanied by the phrase "French people never die."

In total, the French club faced fines amounting to €82,750 due to multiple infringements during the continental encounter. In addition to the chants penalty, UEFA imposed a €25,000 fine for throwing projectiles, €26,000 for blocking public passageways, €10,000 for delaying the kick-off, and €4,250 for the use of pyrotechnics. This occurred on a night when Lille was eliminated from the competition's Round of 16 by the English team.