UEFA fines Raków, partially closing stadium for Hajduk playoff match

UEFA has imposed a fine on the Polish football club Raków due to the misconduct of their supporters during a previous European match. The penalties include a total financial penalty of 68,000 euros, with 60,000 euros specifically for the use of pyrotechnics and an additional 8,000 euros for blocking stadium passageways during their game against Hammarby.

Beyond the financial sanctions, Raków has also been ordered to close a portion of their stadium for their next home European fixture. This means that sectors B1 to B7 will be unavailable when they host Croatian club Hajduk in the second leg of their Conference League playoff on August 27.

This partial stadium closure might create a slightly less intense atmosphere for Raków, potentially benefiting Hajduk. The stadium in Częstochowa has a capacity of around 5,500 spectators, and its close proximity to the pitch typically generates a highly charged environment due to strong home support.

Hajduk has advanced to this playoff stage after comfortably overcoming Žalgiris in the previous round, winning both legs of their tie. The first match against Raków is scheduled for August 20 in Split, with the decisive second leg taking place in Poland a week later.