Buducnost T-Mobile fined for crowd disturbances

A serious incident took place during the Women’s Cup Winners’ Cup Semi-final 1st leg game played in Podgorica, Montenegro, on 11 April 2010.

As was published earlier on Eurohandball.com, the game between Buducnost T-Mobile /MNE and Metz Handball /FRA was interrupted eight seconds from the end following an incident with an unauthorised person who entered the area surrounding the court and attacked the coach of Metz Handball. In addition to this violent act, small objects were thrown onto the playing court during the game.

The EHF Arbitration Tribunal looked into the matter and asked for the statements of all involved parties and made the following decision.

Buducnost T-Mobile shall:

• play the next three games behind closed doors. This punishment, however, is suspended for a period of two years. In case any security incident happens in the next two years, this punishment will take effect;

• pay a fine of €5,000 for spectators throwing objects onto the court;

• pay a fine of €20,000 for a spectator entering the court area and attacking the coach of the opponent team;

• receive an EHF Security Delegate for the next six EHF competition home matches.

The EHF Arbitration Tribunal, through a set of security measures, also made provisions for a safe carrying out of the Women’s Cup Winners’ Cup Final second leg game that will take place in Podgorica on 16 May 2010.

The EHF Arbitration Tribunal stated in its decision that guaranteeing the security of all participants is essential to keep and promote the values and the reputation of the EHF competitions.

Right to appeal

In line with the EHF Arbitration Regulations, a statement of claim may be filed at the EHF Court of Arbitration within 21 days.