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    ‘Should be illegal to charge that’ – Fans just realising price of Champions League final tickets after huge price hike

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    FOOTIE fans have branded Uefa a “total disgrace” after spotting a huge price hike in Champions League final tickets.This season’s showdown on May 31 will be held at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena – and some tickets will cost a fortune with the best seats priced at a whopping £816.Uefa has unveiled the cost of tickets for this season’s Champions League final in MunichBut footie fans have immediately hit backThis season’s showdown will be held at Bayern Munich’s Allianz ArenaCredit: GettyThere has also been a slight annual increase in Europa League and Europa Conference League final tickets. Gold dust ticket sales for all three men’s finals have already started via Uefa’s website and will run until 10am UK time on April 11.  Both clubs who make the final will each be allocated a total of 18,000 seats in Bayern’s 64,500 capacity stadium, with 38,700 going to fans or the general public.Using a ‘Fans First’ policy, Uefa has announced that fans of the two clubs involved in the final will be offered tickets at a frozen cost of £60, via a lottery system.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut spectators hoping to secure premium seats will have to fork out significantly more.The price of tickets in Category 1, the most expensive section, has boomed by 33 per cent to €950 (£816), up from €713 (£612). While, Category 2 seats come in at €650 (£558), 30 per cent higher than the €500 (£429) price from last season.In Category 3, tickets have decreased slightly to €180 (£154) from €186 (£160).Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesAnd, of course, as always, hotels are also expected to see a massive hike in their nightly rates, while flights alone are often costly enough.But social media users have accused Uefa of trying to “rip people off”.Former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka in heated confrontation with Bayer Leverkusen ultras after humiliating defeatOne wrote: “It should be illegal to charge that much, regardless of the occasion.”A second said: “Surely not? That’s absolutely mental. How will anyone afford it?”While another added: “How can those prices be justified. It’s a total disgrace 😫.”And one more wrote: “It’s nothing more than pure greed!”The Premier League has two teams left in Europe’s most elite competition: Arsenal and Aston Villa.Arsenal will be hoping to make a strong start against Real Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final at the Emirates on Tuesday.While Aston Villa take on Liverpool conquerors Paris Saint-German in Paris on Wednesday.Bayern, Inter Milan, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund are the other four teams fighting for a place in this year’s final on May 31.As for the Europa League, which takes place on May 21 at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, a total of 41,000 of 49,600 tickets will be available for fans and the general public.’Fans First’ tickets are priced at €40 (£34), while Category 1, 2 and 3 come in at €240 (£206), €160 (£137) and €65 (£55) respectively.The Europa League presents a last chance of silverware for both Manchester United and Tottenham this season.Ruben Amorim’s side play Lyon next and Spurs take on Eintracht Frankfurt in their quarter-final.Read More on The SunWhile Chelsea are favourites to win the Europa Conference League final at Wroclaw Stadium in Poland on May 28.And ‘Fans First’ tickets are €25 (£21), Category 1 is priced at €190 (£163), Category 2 is €140 (£120) and Category 3 is €45 (£38). More

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      Win a trip to the UEFA Conference League Final in Wroclaw with Hankook

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      WE have teamed up with Hankook, official sponsors of the UEFA Conference League, to give two lucky Sun readers and a guest each a trip of a lifetime to the UEFA Conference League Final in Wroclaw on Wednesday, May 28.The tournament is heating up with the first leg of the Quarter Finals kicking off this Thursday at 17:45pm. Each winner will receive two tickets to the UEFA Conference League Final on Wednesday, May 28 at the Wroclaw Stadium.The lucky readers will also bag return standard flights from a UK airport (determined by Hankook Tyre UK) to Wroclaw departing on Tuesday, May 27 and returning on Thursday, May 29 for them and their guest. Plus, two night’s accommodation for the winners and plus ones at the Raddison Blu Wroclaw on a B&B basis on Tuesday 27th May and Wednesday 28th May.Premium tyre manufacturer, Hankook Tyre UK, has been a long-term partner of the UEFA Europa League and extended that partnership to the UEFA Conference League during its inaugural season in 2021/22. Hankook has recently added new GT tyres to its ION range, the world’s first tyres to be made from 77 per cent sustainable materials. The new tyres have been expertly created to offer more range, less impact and perfected for EV.You can find out more on Hankook and tyre safety, here.Fill in the form below and for your chance to win this great prize.Competition is open to UK residents (excluding Northern Ireland), aged 18+ only. Competition ends at 23:59pm on Sunday, April 20, 2025. Winners will be notified within 7 days. See here for the full Terms & Conditions.Most read in Football More

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      Chelsea risk BAN from Europe after breaking Uefa’s strict financial rules despite internal £200m sale of women’s team

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      CHELSEA risk being banned from Europe after breaking Uefa’s financial rules, according to reports.The Blues recently sold their women’s team for a world-record £200million.Chelsea have made big losses over the last three yearsCredit: GettyDue to Chelsea Women being flogged to sister company Blueco 22 Midco Ltd, however, Uefa do not recognise the £200m from the sale as revenue.Uefa rules dictate that clubs within its jurisdiction cannot make a loss of more than £170m over three seasons.Deducting money raised through sales to their sister company, Chelsea’s losses over the last three years are set to total £358m – although cash spent on the women’s team, academy and infrastructure could yet be deducted from the total.According to The Times, Blues chiefs have entered talks with Uefa over reaching a settlement.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe two parties could agree upon a “sustainability” plan in order to ensure that Chelsea comply with financial rules in future.Todd Boehly and Co are said to be “relaxed” regarding the situation, largely owing to their positive relationship with Uefa.Should the Blues break Uefa’s financial rules again in future, however, they would risk being banned from European competitions.While finding themselves in hot water with Uefa, Chelsea are fine when it comes to the Premier League’s financial rules.Most read in Champions LeagueUnlike Uefa, Prem clubs are allowed to declare sales to sister companies as income generated.Last summer the “loophole” was subject to a vote by Prem clubs, who opted against closing it.The football boot customiser who’s scoring BIG with the game’s biggest stars are | Football FixersChelsea last week announced £468.5m revenue for the financial year ending June 30, 2024.This was down from £512.5m the previous year, owing to their absence from Europe last season.The Blues went into this weekend fourth in the Premier League with eight games remaining.Enzo Maresca’s side are aiming to return to the Champions League following a two-year absence.The Blues are set to earn handsomely from their participation in the Club World Cup this summer.Uefa have confirmed that the winners of the competition stand to earn nearly £100m in prize money, while the Blues could earn as much as £68m for just winning their three group matches. More

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      Real Madrid stars Mbappe and Rudiger handed one-match Uefa ban – but penalty will NOT be enforced for Arsenal clash

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      REAL MADRID stars Kylian Mbappe and Antonio Rudiger have been cleared to face Arsenal in next week’s Champions League quarter-final – after escaping with SUSPENDED bans.Uefa launched an investigation last week after Atletico Madrid accused the duo and team-mates Vinicius Jr and Dani Ceballos of “indecent conduct” following their shoot-out win in the last 16 tie at the Metropolitano.Kylian Mbappe grabbed his nether regions as Real Madrid celebrated in front of Atletico fansAntonio Rudiger also performed a slit-throat gesture during the celebrationsCredit: GETTYUefa have handed Mbappe and Rudiger suspended one-match bansCredit: ReutersFormer Chelsea defender Rudiger, who scored the decisive penalty,  was accused of making a throat-slitting gesture to home supporters. French ace Mbappe, who had earlier missed a spot-kick in normal time but converted in the shoot-out, was reported for touching his genitals in a clearly derogatory manner.Vinicius – long targeted by rival fans and who has been a regular victim of racist abuse – was involved in two separate confrontations with Atletico supporters before and after the shoot-out, while Ceballos aimed a one-armed gesture with a clenched fist at home fans.That raised the prospect of the quartet all being suspended for the first leg of the tie with the Gunners at the Emirates on Tuesday.A probe saw a Uefa Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector decide there was no case to answer for Vinicius Jr while the other three were accused of “violating the basic rules of decent conduct”.But now Uefa’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body has backed off serious action despite finding the three players guilty.Rudiger was handed a one-match ban, suspended for 12 months, and fined £34,000, with Mbappe given the same suspended punishment and fined around £25,000, with Caballos facing no ban and ordered to pay £17,000.A Uefa statement read: “Following the investigation of a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector, disciplinary proceedings were opened against the following Real Madrid CF players, Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, Daniel Ceballos Fernandez for potentially violating the basic rules of decent conduct (Art. 11(2)(b) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations).Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWhat happened to the Englishmen who joined Real Madrid?TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD looks set to join Real Madrid this summer and will join an exclusive club to pull on the famous white jersey.So had did those who came before him get on?LAURIE CUNNINGHAM (1979-1984)Real Madrid splashed out £950,000 to sign Cunningham from West Brom in 1979.As one of the “Three Degrees” alongside Cyrille Regis and Brendon Batson, Cunningham had left an unforgettable mark at the Hawthorns.The left winger became an instant hit in the Spanish capital, scoring twice on his debut.Cunningham helped his side to the LaLiga title in 1980, and played in the European Cup final against Liverpool the following year.Following a loan spell with Manchester United, Cunningham moved to Marseille in 1984.Having played for Leicester, Charleroi and Wimbledon, Cunningham returned to Madrid with Rayo Vallecano in 1988.The following year he tragically died in a car crash in the city aged just 33.STEVE MCMANAMAN (1999-2003)Like Alexander-Arnold is set to, McManaman left boyhood club Liverpool for the bright lights of Madrid in 1999.A silky winger, McManaman proved to be a hit in Madrid.The Bernabeu crowd immediately took to their new English hero, with his floppy hair and nonchalant flair.McManaman helped Real win six trophies in four years, and scored his side’s second goal in their victorious 2000 Champions League final.He went on to leave Madrid in 2003, spending the final two years of his career with Manchester City.After hanging up his boots, McManaman worked as a pundit for Setanta Sports, BT Sport and ESPN.Now 53, he can regularly be seen on TNT Sports’ football coverage, especially when Liverpool or Real Madrid are playing.DAVID BECKHAM (2003-2007)In 2003, Real Madrid made Manchester United superstar Beckham their latest Galactico.Golden Balls joined a squad boasting the likes of Ronaldo, Raul, Zinedine Zidane and Roberto Carlos in the Spanish capital.Despite his love for high-end fashion and the celebrity lifestyle, Beckham became much beloved in Spain for his incredible work rate, professionalism and of course, quality.Despite boasting a star-studded squad, the fabled La Decima – a tenth Champions League triumph – eluded Real Madrid during his four-year stint.He didn’t leave empty-handed, however, winning the LaLiga title in 2007 before leaving for LA Galaxy.Since Beckham hung up his boots in 2013 he has continued to have several endorsement deals; including the likes of Adidas, Armani, Pepsi and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.Beckham, 49, also owns MLS side Inter Miami, and played a big role in their groundbreaking deal for Lionel Messi in 2023.MICHAEL OWEN (2004-2005)Like McManaman before him, Owen quit Liverpool for Real Madrid.But the former Ballon d’Or winner endured a frustrating season at the Bernabeu, finding himself stuck behind Ronaldo and Raul.Twelve months on from Owen’s £8million switch, Real Madrid doubled their money by flogging him to Newcastle.Owen then spent three years with Liverpool’s rivals Man Utd, before one final year at Stoke.Immediately after hanging up his boots, Owen signed up to be BT Sport’s primary co-commentator upon the channel’s launch.In addition to his punditry work, the former striker has enjoyed several other ventures.Owen, 45, has his own clothing range with Peacocks, while he also appeared on The Masked Singer.JONATHAN WOODGATE (2004-2007)Woodgate endured one of the most infamous debuts of all time after switching Newcastle for Real Madrid in 2004.The luckless defender went through injury hell following the £13.4m transfer, having to wait 17 months before playing his first game.Just 25 minutes in, the England international headed into his own net. Things then got even worse when he was sent off just after the hour mark.Woodgate played just 14 times that season, before a loan move to Middlesbrough effectively ended his Real Madrid career.After signing permanently for Boro, Woody earned a move to Tottenham in January 2008. He won the League Cup barely a month later, and remains the last Spurs player to score a winning goal in a cup final.Following spells with Stoke and back at Middlesbrough, Woodgate retired in 2016.He has since gone into coaching, managing Boro and Bournemouth.Woodgate, 45, returned to Middlesbrough once again in 2022, where he works as a first team coach under Michael Carrick.JUDE BELLINGHAM (2023-present)England superstar Bellingham sealed a blockbuster £115m transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid in the summer of 2023.The move has been a resounding success, with the midfielder immediately excelling in Spain.Bellingham scored on his debut, and went on net five times in his first four LaLiga matches.The image of the 21-year-old with his arms outstretched has quickly become an iconic one.Birmingham’s finest has already won LaLiga and the Champions League during his young career.And with Alexander-Arnold soon to be alongside him, Bellingham will feel that he can add plenty more to his already impressive trophy tally.”No disciplinary proceedings were opened against Real Madrid CF player, Vinícius Júnior.”The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) has taken the following decisions.”Arteta gives worrying Gabriel injury update as Arsenal sweat on four defenders ahead of Real Madrid clash”The CEDB has decided to fine Real Madrid CF player, Antonio Rudiger, €40,000 and to suspend him for a total of one (1) UEFA club competition match for which he would be otherwise eligible for violating the basic rules of decent conduct. “Said suspension is not immediately enforced and is subject to a probationary period of one (1) year, starting from the date of the present decision.”To fine Real Madrid CF player, Kylian Mbappe, €30,000 and to suspend him for a total of one (1) UEFA club competition match for which he would be otherwise eligible for violating the basic rules of decent conduct. “Said suspension is not immediately enforced and is subject to a probationary period of one (1) year, starting from the date of the present decision.”To fine Real Madrid CF player, Daniel Ceballos Fernandez, €20,000 for violating the basic rules of decent conduct.”Mbappe and Rudiger’s suspended sentences are bad news for Arsenal fans.The Emirates faithful were clinging onto the hope the duo would be banned for Tuesday’s match at the Emirates due to the team’s defensive crisis.Read More on The SunThe north Londoners are in defensive chaos following Gabriel Magalhaes’ season-ending hamstring injury against Fulham this week. Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori missed Tuesday’s visit of the Cottagers and are major doubts for next week’s clash with Los Blancos.Gabriel Magalhaes’ season-ending hamstring injury has thrown the Gunners into defensive chaosCredit: REUTERS More

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      Newly-emerged footage shows ‘disgusting act’ Kylian Mbappe did that could see him BANNED for Arsenal vs Real Madrid

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      NEW footage showing a “disgusting act” from Kylian Mbappe could boost Arsenal’s Champions League hopes. Mbappe, plus Real Madrid team-mates Vinicius Junior, Antonio Rudiger and Dani Ceballos, already face a Uefa probe and possible ban.Kylian Mbappe is being investigated after this act in front of Atletico fansCredit: X / Rory_Talks_BallMbappe broke off from other Real players as they faced Atleti supportersCredit: X / Rory_Talks_BallAntonio Rudiger and Co didn’t holdback with their victory celebrationsCredit: ReutersIt follows Real’s controversial celebrations after beating neighbours Atletico in the last 16.A Uefa Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector is investigating claims of “indecent conduct” by the four superstars.Any suspension for those key men would surely improve Arsenal’s chances of seeing off Real in the quarter-finals.The Gunners host the reigning Champions League kings in the first leg on April 8, before visiting Spain for the return tie eight days later.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNow Mbappe could be in even hotter water – after a clip emerged appearing to show him mimicking a lewd act in front of Atletico fans.Fellow Real aces were jigging with delight towards the angry home fans, apparently taunting them over Atletico’s shootout agony.In the newly-shown video, the 26-year-old can be seen away from that pack of jubilant team-mates.The France striker is captured mouthing something towards the crowd and making a rude had movement that certainly won’t help his case with Uefa.Most read in Champions LeagueAntonio Rudiger is under investigation following this gestureCredit: GettyBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe already stands accused of touching his genitals in a derogatory way.A man who posted the latest footage wrote: “Such a disgusting act from Mbappe.”Trent Alexander-Arnold has agreed terms on a move to Real Madrid this summer, according to reports A tense atmosphere at the Metropolitano became worse after Atletico’s Julian Alvarez had a shootout penalty ruled by VAR.Atleti are since understood to have formally complained to Uefa about behaviour ON the pitch.Vinicius is accused of taking six “shots” at home supporters amid two separate confrontations during and after the game.The Brazilian, 24, has long been long targeted by opposition fans and has been a regular victim of racist abuse.Rudiger is alleged to have made a throat-slitting gesture to Atleti fans.And Ceballos is also being investigated, over claims he made an obscene gesture with a clenched fist.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, ex-Chelsea defender  Rudiger began a jubilant high-knee dance after hitting the winning spot-kick.Many Real team-mates, including subs, joined in as the bitter rivalry between the two clubs boiled over. More

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      Arsenal Champions League boost as Mbappe leads FOUR Real Madrid stars under Uefa investigation for ‘indecent conduct’

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      ARSENAL could be handed a massive Champions League boost with FOUR Real Madrid stars potentially BANNED from next month’s quarter final clash.Superstar strikers Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, former Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger and midfielder Dani Caballos all face an official Uefa probe for their antics against Atletico Madrid in the last-16.Kylian Mbappe is one of four Real Madrid stars under investigationCredit: AlamyAntonio Rudiger began a jubilant high-knee run after scoring the winning penalty against Atletico MadridCredit: ReutersRudigerappeared to aim a throat-cutting gesture at Atleti supportersCredit: GettyUEFA said it appointed a disciplinary inspector to study the unspecified allegationsCredit: GettyA Uefa Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate allegations of “indecent conduct” by all four players.The unspecified incidents occurred during Real’s second leg last-16 victory against city rivals Atletico on March 12.Their punishment, if found guilty, is not yet known.But IF they are banned, it could be a huge advantage for Arsenal, who are missing several key players through injury.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSThe Gunners host the 15-time European champions on Tuesday 8, with the return leg at the Bernabeu the following Wednesday.And Vinicius and Mbappe are joint-highest in club goals in the Champions League this season, with seven goals apiece.Madrid advanced to the quarter-finals in a controversial 4-2 shootout after Atletico won the second leg 1-0 to tie the aggregate score at 2-2.Tensions were high at the Metropolitano before, and after, Julian Alvarez’ spot-kick was disqualified by VAR.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAtletico are understood to have filed a formal complaint to Uefa, which then began its investigation.Vinicius was the most high-profile case, as he reportedly took six “shots” at Atleti supporters during and after the clash.Trent Alexander-Arnold has agreed terms on a move to Real Madrid this summer, according to reports The Brazilian, long targeted by rival fans and who has been a regular victim of racist abuse, was involved in two separate confrontations with home fans before and after the shoot-out.The 24-year-old skied a penalty in normal time and had been substituted in extra-time but taunted them by pointing to the Real crest on his coat.Rudiger was accused of making a throat-slitting gesture to home supporters.Ceballos is accused of making an obscene one-armed gesture with a clenched fist before joining Jude Bellingham in a victory dance at the very end of the match.German centre-back Rudiger – who won his first Champions League with Chelsea in 2021 – began a jubilant high-knee dance after scoring the winning penalty on the night.Most of the team followed, with subs imitating it. Mbappe was reported for touching his genitals in a clearly derogatory manner.Diego Simeone was banned for grabbing his bits during a Champions League match against Juventus.READ MORE SUN STORIESReal are likely to point out that their players were hit by bottles and other objects thrown by home supporters but the investigation could end up with serious repercussions.It remains to be seen whether Rudiger, Ceballos, Vinicius or Mbappe are charged by Uefa over these incidents.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      Rangers hit with suspended stadium CLOSURE over racist/discriminatory banner as club warns fans about ‘illicit songs’

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      RANGERS have been hit with a suspended stadium CLOSURE by Uefa following the recent clash with Fenerbahce.The punishment, suspended for a period of two years, has been handed down in relation to ‘racist and/or discriminatory behaviour.’Uefa have come down hard over this bannerCredit: GettyIt was displayed during the Fenerbahce match at IbroxCredit: GettyRangers have also been charged over the throwing of objectsCredit: ReutersRangers won the tie after a penalty shoot-outCredit: Willie VassLast week, Rangers released a ferocious statement where they blasted sections of their OWN support over behaviour.They revealed that Uefa sanctions were incoming following the match against Fenerbahce, held at Ibrox on Thursday, March 13.After a dramatic encounter, the Gers emerged victorious after a penalty shoot-out.But in the aftermath, Rangers raged at the ‘saddening and frankly embarrassing behaviour’ in the stands and hit out at the display of a banner in the Union Bears section.A banner displayed by the ultras read: “Keep woke foreign ideologies out. Defend Europe.”Rangers subsequently hit out at the “racist and/or discriminatory banner” as they revealed they had been hit with a number of Uefa charges.Now, the exact punishment from that charge has been handed down.Rangers have been hit with a partial stadium CLOSURE over the banner.Most read in Europa LeagueThat punishment would see the Copland Stand will SHUT for a Uefa match at Ibrox.However, it will NOT be the upcoming clash with Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League quarter-finals.That’s because the punishment is suspended for a probationary period of two years.Rangers ultras barred from Celtic ParkThat does, however, mean any Rangers have also been fined £25,000 in relation to the ‘racist and/or discriminatory behaviour.’The fuming club have unleashed a blistering statement, warning fans that any further discriminatory behaviour – including the singing of what they call ‘illicit songs’ – could result in the closure coming into force.Rangers also revealed they are issuing LIFETIME BANS to those responsible for the banner.In a statement, Rangers said: “Rangers notes the outcome of the UEFA disciplinary case, and the respective sanctions imposed upon the club for several issues at the recent Ibrox match with Fenerbahce.”Most notably, the club has been served with a suspended closure of the Copland Stand should there be any repeat of racist and/or discriminatory behaviour within the next two years.”This punishment must serve as a severe and significant reminder to the small minority of supporters who bring the name of Rangers into disrepute. Any repeat of any discriminatory behaviour (and this also includes the singing of illicit songs) may result in the famed ‘Rangers end’ of our home being closed for a UEFA match.”Not only will the reputation and finances of the club be harmed by such a punishment, but the chances of the team in a potentially key European match will also suffer enormously, while thousands of innocent fans will be unable to attend a massive fixture.”In response to the displaying of the racist and/or discriminatory banner at the Fenerbahce game, the club can confirm that it is in the process of issuing lifetime bans to the individuals responsible.”Rangers’ Uefa finesImproper conduct of the team (5 players or more), Art. 15(4) DR – Fine: £6,680Throwing of objects, Art. 16(2)(b) DR – Fine: £3,755Blocking of public passageways, Art. 38 UEFA Safety & Security Regulations – Fine: £5,000Racist and/or discriminatory behaviour, Art. 14(2) DR – Fine: £25,000; Partial stadium closure (i.e. the Copland Stand) during the next one UEFA club competition match it will play as host club. Said partial stadium closure is suspended during a probationary period of two years.Rangers were also hit with THREE further Uefa fines.They were hit with a fine in relation to improper conduct of the team of around £6,750, £3,750 for throwing of objects and £5,000 for blocking of passageways.Meanwhile, Rangers have also revealed that the groups responsible for the pyrotechnics charge relating to the recent Old Firm game will be directly hit.Rangers – as well as Celtic – will receive a ticket reduction of 500 supporters at their next Premier Sports Cup match at Hampden in relation to pyro use.The statement continued: “Further, following the use of pyrotechnics at Parkhead in the Old Firm game, the club can confirm the groups responsible for their discharge will be directly impacted by the 500 ticket reduction issued as a sanction the next time the club appears in the latter stages of the Premier Sports Cup at Hampden.”The club again stresses a future use of pyrotechnics at any SPFL match may lead to a further reduction of 800 tickets at a latter-stage Premier Sports Cup match.”The strongest asset this football club has is our support, and the club knows the overwhelming majority of our supporters will be angered by these episodes and the consequences they have for the club and its supporters.”We reiterate our call for all supporters to back the team in the correct manner, and to challenge those who seek to further damage the good name of Rangers.”Celtic were also hit with three Uefa charges in the latest round of sanctions, including a suspended one-match ban for manager Brendan Rodgers.READ MORE SUN STORIESAll three sanctions stem from the Champions League tie against Bayern Munich.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Uefa ready to open talks over shock rule change after controversial Julian Alvarez penalty disallowed vs Real Madrid

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      UEFA ready to open talks over a shock rule change after Julian Alvarez’s penalty was controversially disallowed against Real Madrid.The Spanish derby went to a shootout in the Champions League last 16 after Atletico won 1-0 on the night to level 2-2 on aggregate.Julian Alvarez’s penalty was disallowed in the shootoutCredit: GettyBut controversy struck when former Manchester City star Alvarez slipped while taking his spot-kick. His effort went in but was soon chalked off and overturned to a miss after replays revealed the slip caused him to twice touch the ball before it went in.It violated Uefa’s rules on penalties but, after Atletico launched an appeal, the governing body ruled the stipulation could be looked at and changed.Uefa said in a statement: “Atletico de Madrid enquired with UEFA over the incident, which led to the disallowance of the kick from the penalty mark taken by Julian Alvarez at the end of yesterday’s UEFA Champions League match against Real Madrid.READ MORE IN football “Although minimal, the player made contact with the ball using his standing foot before kicking it, as shown in the attached video clip. “Under the current rule (Laws of the Game, Law 14.1), the VAR had to call the referee signalling that the goal should be disallowed.”UEFA will enter discussions with FIFA and IFAB to determine whether the rule should be reviewed in cases where a double touch is clearly unintentional.” Madrid progressed 4-2 on penalties with ex-Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger scoring the deciding spot kick.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut, had Alvarez’s kick have counted, Atletico would have had one final penalty to take the contest to sudden death.Atletico manager Diego Simeone fumed in the post-match press conference. Fans can’t believe what Antoine Griezmann swapped his shirt for with fan after Atletico winHe said: “Don’t be afraid to speak. Are you afraid because you’re going to be punished? “If you’re afraid, don’t say anything. Raise your hand if you think Julian knocked twice. No one? No one. Okay.”Honestly, I won’t lie to you, being eliminated the way we’ve been is not an easy thing to accept.”Simeone continued: “I just saw the image of the penalty. “The referee said that when Julian stepped and kicked, he touched the ball with his foot, but the ball didn’t move. “That’s something to discuss about whether it was a goal or not, but I’m proud of my players.”When he plants his foot and kicks, the ball doesn’t move even a little bit. But if VAR called it, I’ve never seen a penalty called by VAR, but it’s still valid, and they’ll have seen that he touched it. “I want to believe they’ll have seen that he touched it.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMadrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said: “I think they had detected it already at the VAR when we were hesitating. “We haven’t warned them, not me at least because I didn’t realise. I’ve seen the replay and I think he touches it with his left foot, the second touch.”Real Madrid won the shootout in very controversial circumstancesCredit: Alamy More

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      David Coote slapped with lengthy Uefa ban for bringing the sport of football into disrepute

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      DAVID COOTE has been banned from officiating by Uefa until 2026.Coote, 42, had already been sacked by the PGMOL in December following a “thorough investigation” into his conduct.David Coote has been banned by UefaCredit: GettyNow Uefa have hit him with a ban of their own, effective immediately and running until June 30, 2026.Uefa revealed that Coote has been banned for “bringing the sport of football, and Uefa in particular, into disrepute”, as well as “violating the basic rules of decent conduct”.The European football governing body opened an investigation into Coote following The Sun’s exclusive video of Coote snorting a white power while on duty at Euro 2024.Coote’s ban means he can no longer officiate in the Nations League, Champions League, Europa League or Uefa Conference League.READ MORE ON DAVID COOTEWhile, despite him already being sacked, Uefa’s jurisdiction over the English leagues means he won’t be able to officiate in the Premier League either. Coote was initially suspended by the PGMOL following a video emerging online of the referee calling then-Liverpool manager a “German c***”.Paul Field, chairman of the ­Referees’ Association, had said he hoped Coote is able to remain in English football.He said: “The work he does with young people is exemplary. He’s an unbelievable tutor. He puts so much time and effort into the up-and-coming grassroots officials.Most read in FootballVideo emerged showing Coote snorting a white powder“I’d love him to be part of the FA, training, mentoring, out of the public light to look after himself. He has so much to offer.”While Coote himself had said he would like to return to officiating in some form.Scandal-hit Premier League ref David Coote SACKED after videos emerged of anti-Klopp rant and snorting white powderHe added: “Whether it would be with a whistle in my hand would be another matter. Certainly not for me to judge. “But in terms of utilising my experience I hope there is an opportunity to do so in some way.”In an exclusive interview with The Sun, Coote revealed that he is gay – suggesting that hiding his sexuality is one of the contributing factors to his actions.He said : “My sexuality isn’t the only reason that led me to be in that position.”But I’m not telling an authentic story if I don’t say that I’m gay, and that I’ve had real struggles dealing with hiding that.”Coote was also subject to an investigation over allegations related to bookings given to Leeds United’s Ezgjan Alioski in the 2019/20 Championship campaign.It was claimed that Coote has discussed the possibility of showing Alioski a yellow card with a third party before the game.However, it is understood that Coote accepts a discussion took place, but claims it was only “banter” and nothing improper took place.Coote maintained his innocence on the matter in a statement and claimed he has always held the “integrity of the game in the highest regard”.A statement read: “Whatever issues I may have had in my personal life they have never affected my decision-making on the field.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I have always held the integrity of the game in the highest regard, refereeing matches impartially and to the best of my ability.”Coote told The Sun he is gay in an exclusive interviewCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd More