Barcelona hit with UEFA ban following 'racist behaviour' by fans during Champions League defeat to Monaco

Barcelona have been fined €10,000 and prevented from selling tickets to away fans for their next away Champions League game against Serbian side Crvena zvezda in November. A portion of Barcelona's fans unveiled a banner in the loss to Monaco last week reading 'Flick heil', which has Nazi connotations.

The punishment was issued by UEFA due to Barcelona already having a suspended ban for the racist behaviour of supporters during the Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain in April. The club were charged with racist behaviour, causing damage and letting off fireworks inside the Parc des Princes, prompting €32,000 of fines and a suspended ban on selling away tickets.

"The club communicate that it will both comply with and apply this sanction," a statement on Barca's website read. "FC Barcelona will return the ticket cost for fans who have already purchased said ticket.

"FC Barcelona reject any type of justification for violence, and as indicated in articles 3 and 4 of the Statutes, they strive to protect and promote the Universal Declaration of Human Rights contained in the International Bill of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations."

Having already received sanctions for similar instances, Barcelona have confirmed that they will strengthen current measures and adopt 'suitable further initiatives' to prevent future occurrences, while also applying sanctions to those responsible. UEFA have also handed Barcelona a further suspended ban which will come into effect if there are any additional violations in the next 12 months.