Football
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Partizan Belgrade issue apology over offensive banner; UEFA investigating

Partizan Belgrade have issued an apology after a number of their fans displayed an anti-Semitic banner during Thursday's Europa League draw with Tottenham.

UEFA confirmed on Friday afternoon that it will address the matter at the start of next month in a statement that read:  "Disciplinary proceedings have been opened against FK Partizan for racist behaviour of their supporters, field invasions by supporters, setting-off of fireworks and use of laser pointer. The case will be dealt by the UEFA control, ethics and disciplinary body on October 3.''

Partizan's apology, released in a statement through their official website, branded the offensive banner as a "mindless act'' and said that the club will endeavour to ban those found guilty of displaying the banner.

"Dear football aficionados in Serbia and Europe,'' it read. "The football match between Partizan and Tottenham was eagerly awaited in our city and we watched fine performances from both teams in a fair-play sporting atmosphere.

"But this game was marred by malicious act of certain individuals who made all the efforts from our players and our club to prove we deserve our spot in football Europe worthless.

"FC Partizan resolutely disavows with anti-Semitic banner displayed yesterday. The message displayed on that banner is completely opposite to preferences and opinions of almost all citizens of Serbia and Partizan fans.

"It is absolutely absurd to link a club that was founded after the WWII on anti-fascist principles and after the battle of people of Europe with anti-Semitism and similar dark and anti-civilisation impulses.

"We fully condemn perpetrators of this mindless act, not only of anti-Semitic nature, but one that represents hatred of Partizan and Serbia as well.

"We believe this vicious action will not spoil our sporting friendship with Tottenham and football aficionados in Great Britain. In cooperation with competent authorities, Partizan FC will do everything to locate, trial and ban those perpetrators from sporting fields.

"We apologise to everyone who found themselves insulted and upset by this banner.Once again, we point out that such banner message is completely opposite to history and tradition of our club, and our fans' aspirations.''

It is not the first time Serbian football has been in trouble over racism after England under-21 players were abused during a match against Serbia in October 2012.

That incident is unlikely to affect Partizan's punishment, however, as UEFA considers club and international competitions separately.

Spurs head coach Mauricio Pochettino labelled the banner "disrespectful'' in his post-match media duties following the goalless draw.

A similar incident occurred during a Champions League tie between Bayern Munich and Arsenal last season, when fans of the German side displayed a banner which contained an illicit drawing.

Bayern were fined 10,000 euros and forced to close a section of their stadium for their following home Champions League tie, which came against fellow Premier League outfit Manchester United.

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