Union file last-minute appeal against Belgian city
Union Berlin and three supporters filed a suit a day before their Europa League match against Union Saint-Gilloise. The mayor of Leuven has banned Union fans from congregating throughout the Belgian city on Thursday and Friday without a valid ticket.
Due to prior unrest in Malmö, Union Berlin cannot sell tickets to their fans for Thursday night's massive Europa League match at Union Saint-Gilloise. The club accepts this decision, but have now filed a suit with the Belgian Council of State on Wednesday for another reason.
The mayor of Leuven has banned any German fans from being around the stadium or city on Thursday and Friday.
President of Union, Dirk Zingler, issued a statement:
"Due to the events in Malmö, UEFA fined us. Part of this penalty was that we were not allowed to sell tickets to our fans for our last Europa League group match against Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. We accepted this penalty as we are aware of our responsibility for what happened in Malmö."
Adding, "However, the decree of the mayor of Leuven is, in our view, absolutely disproportionate. It suspends fundamental rights and is contrary to both the European as well as the idea of UEFA to organize sporting competitions across national borders."
Three fans have joined the club in the last-minute appeal.