NYON, Switzerland (AP) - Bayern Munich faces disciplinary action after fans displayed discriminatory and political banners at a Champions League match against Arsenal.
UEFA opened a case Wednesday against the defending champions, which will be judged by its disciplinary panel on March 20.
The case involves alleged “discriminatory behavior of their supporters” and “display of an illicit banner,” UEFA said in a statement.
A banner with the phrase “Gay Gunners,” and a crude cartoon image of Arsenal’s German player Mesut Ozil was shown at the last 16 match in Munich on Tuesday. The English club’s nickname is the Gunners.
A second banner with the slogans “Say No To Racism. Say Yes To Kosovo” was also displayed.
UEFA rules prohibit discrimination and political statements at matches.
Clubs are responsible for incidents at their own stadium. They can be fined and, in more serious cases, have sections of their stadium closed.
Bayern advanced 3-1 on aggregate and any sanction could apply at its home match in the quarterfinals.
Kosovo seceded from Serbia in 2008 but has been blocked from attaining full international recognition.
FIFA has allowed its member countries to play friendly matches against the Kosovo men’s national team following long-standing opposition from UEFA.
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