UEFA fined Red Star Belgrade 40,000 euros because the ultras displayed a choreography with an Orthodox icon.

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The claim states UEFA fined Red Star Belgrade specifically because ultras displayed a choreography with an Orthodox icon. UEFA has explicitly denied this, stating the fine was for offensive language/profanity on a banner, not the religious imagery.

The claim states the fine was €40,000. The total fine imposed by UEFA was €95,500; €40,000 was only one component of that total.

Omissions

• The claim omits that the total UEFA fine was €95,500, not just €40,000 — the €40,000 was only one component of a larger disciplinary penalty that also covered other infractions such as pyrotechnics and thrown objects.
• The claim omits UEFA's official position: UEFA told EWTN News that the fine was issued for offensive language (profanity) on a banner, not for the religious imagery of the Orthodox icon. This fundamentally changes the narrative of alleged religious persecution.
• The MEP's framing presents the fine as an attack on Orthodox Christianity, when UEFA's own explanation points to a violation of rules against offensive/profane messaging at sporting events.

Sources

• SecondaryEWTN NewsUEFA told EWTN News its fine on a Serbian soccer club was for offensive language, not a massive Orthodox Christian display — contradicting viral claims that the governing body penalized the club for religious expression. These included a 40,000-euro penalty for transmitting a message deemed not fit for a sports event and bringing the sport of football into disrepute.
• SecondaryVeridica.roFAKE NEWS: UEFA Attacks Orthodoxy. The penalty imposed on Red Star Belgrade for a choreography performed by Serbian fans is an attack on Orthodoxy, according to disinformation narratives. UEFA fined the club 95,500 Euro, of which 40,000 was specifically for the display, classifying it as a message inappropriate for a sporting event — not for the religious iconography.
• SecondaryGreek City TimesUEFA fines FK Crvena Zvezda €95,500 for massive Orthodox tifo and Serbian faith banner in Europa League match vs Lille. Of which €40,000 was specifically for the tifo display.
• SecondaryUrbanlegends.huA viral claim links a religious display to UEFA's €40,000 penalty against Serbian football club Crvena Zvezda. UEFA has denied this, stating the fine was for offensive language on a banner, not the religious imagery.