Slovan Bratislava coach Yaya Touré reacts to UEFA away fan ban for LASK match

UEFA has imposed a 40,000 euro fine and a one-match ban on away fans for ŠK Slovan Bratislava. The disciplinary measures stem from an incident involving supporters clashing with police at the Olympic Stadium in Rome. Consequently, the Slovak champions will be unable to bring their traveling fans to the upcoming Champions League match against LASK Linz in Austria.

The sanction follows a 4-0 defeat to AS Roma in the third round of the Champions League group stage, where Slovan supporters were present in the away sector. Although the club had considered appealing the verdict, the ban for the fixture in Linz remains in effect. This means the team will face the Austrian side without the vocal support of their traveling contingent.

Head coach Yaya Touré commented on the situation after a 2-0 domestic victory over AS Trenčín. He expressed that accepting the ban is difficult, describing the club's supporters as exceptional both at home and abroad. Touré noted the disappointment of the recent loss in Rome but emphasized the desire to make fans proud despite the distance they travel.

Reflecting on his own playing career, Touré recalled a time when his club refunded ticket costs to supporters after a heavy defeat to maintain their dignity. He acknowledged that playing without away fans is challenging but stated the team would strive to represent them in a positive light. Touré expressed confidence that supporters would back the team from home while the players aimed to perform well in their absence.