Uefa hands Villa fans suspended ban for discriminatory behaviour

Aston Villa could be banned from selling tickets for a European away game next season following an incident at the Europa League final.

Villa beat Freiburg 3-0 in Istanbul on 20 May with goals from Youri Tielemens, Morgan Rogers and Emi Buendia.

But the Villans were subsequently charged by Uefa over racist and/or discriminatory behaviour of their supporters during the game.

BBC Sport understands a banner was displayed which was of an offensive and derogatory nature.

On Wednesday, Uefa announced that Villa had been fined €10,000 (£8,600) and their fans given a suspended ban from attending a game.

A Uefa statement said the “ban from selling tickets to its away supporters is suspended for a probationary period of two years, starting from the date of the present decision”.

If there is a repeat of the behaviour Uefa can trigger the ban.

Villa earned a return to the Champions League next season by finishing fourth in the Premier League, though they also earned the right by lifting the Europa League trophy.