NYON, Switzerland (AP) — The Swiss soccer club Basel has been fined $41,000 for Greenpeace’s protest at its stadium during a Champions League game against Schalke.
European soccer’s governing body says Basel was penalized for “insufficient organization” at the Oct. 1 match. Host clubs are responsible for security at stadiums and ensuring matches run smoothly.
Activists forced the match to be stopped briefly after they descended from the stadium roof to unfurl a banner protesting the Russian energy firm Gazprom. The firm is Schalke’s jersey sponsor and one of UEFA’s top-tier Champions League sponsors.
The banner read “Gazprom. Don’t Foul The Arctic” and referred to Greenpeace activists and journalists detained by Russian authorities after their boat was seized last month.
