Wolverhampton Wanderersā ābehind the closed doors tieā set to have a crowd of 5000
A crowd of 5000 is set to attend the match between Slovan Bratislava and Wolves despite the match being played behind the closed doors. UEFA charged the Slovak champions after fans made racist chants in a play-off game against PAOK of Greece but UEFA will allow children aged 14 and under to attend.
According to the BBC report, 200 Wolves fans will be permitted to watch the game providing they hold 'category one tickets'. In August, UEFA ruled against Slovan Bratislava and sanctioned them to play their next two European games behind closed doors as a consequence of racist behaviour by their supporters at a play-off match against Greek side POAK. The Slovan team appealed against the harsh punishment but their appeal was rejected against UEFA.
Bratislava will also be punished financially and will have to cover the costs of tickets against Wolves. Top-price tickets for the club's home league matches are 20 euros (Ā£17.50) and with a stadium capacity of 22,500, it means Bratislava will be denied around Ā£250,000. The Federation also want to make sure that thereās no security issue as it might create problems if home support were restricted and visiting fans were allowed. However, under Article 73 of Uefa's regulations, accompanied children, aged 14 and under, from local schools and football academies can be invited.
Slovan Bratislava have invited applications for the same, allowing one adult for every 10 children. The club had a similar approach for their first game behind closed doors against Besiktas and the majority of the children coming to the game are expected to be home supporters.Ā This fixture could play a crucial part in determining that who goes through from Group K of the Europa League with Wolves currently third, after three points from two games. Slovan Bratislava tops the group with four points, ahead of Braga on goal difference.