Sparta officials fear racism from fans: Let’s be reasonable so we can go to the next game

Problems with fans have been a frequent issue at Sparta in recent months. Therefore, rather than a good result against Lyon, Sparta’s officials want a smooth match.

Right at the start of the league, several Spartan fans caused problems for their club. In the match against Sigma Olomouc they racially insulted Florent Poulol, for which Sparta were fined CZK 100,000 and had their sectors closed.

In the Champions League preliminary round against Monaco, Aurélien Tchouaméni scored a goal in front of the Spartan goal and was heckled and monkey-shouted in celebration. UEFA punished Sparta with a full stadium closure for one Europa League match and a hefty fine.

The one that finally got the kids who booed to welcome the unpopular Glen Kamara. UEFA senselessly opened another investigation, but this time found nothing racist about the children’s behaviour.

But now comes Lyon, who have several dark-skinned players in their squad. And several Spartans are afraid that similar incidents will not happen again. As well as Sparta’s marketing director Kamil Veselý.

“I am very nervous before every game. But today not so much because of what will happen on the pitch… I have only one fundamental wish. I wish that after today we could welcome the fans in the next home game against Brøndby… Let’s all behave sensibly today,” Veselý said on his Twitter account.

Another incident could cost Sparta more than just the stadium being closed for one match. Given that UEFA has already punished the team recently, the sentence could be much harsher this time.

Source: Twitter | Kamil Veselý