Chelsea’s Europa League opponents Slavia Prague have been hit with strong sanctions from UEFA ahead of their clash with the Blues.
The Czech outfit have been punished by Europe’s governing body after a number of incidents in the first leg of their clash against KRC Genk in the Round of 32, including setting off fireworks, throwing objects, crowd disturbances and blocking stairways.
As a result, Slavia Prague have been hit with a partial stadium closure for their clash against Chelsea, which applies to the sections that house the club’s hardcore fans, and have been hit with a fine of €32,000.
Assistant head coach Zdenek Houstecky will also be suspended from the bench for one game.
However, the Czech side have stated they will appeal the decision from UEFA - with the punishment coming shortly after Slavia announced that the game against Chelsea on April 11 is completely sold out.
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Chelsea have not escaped punishment themselves though as UEFA have issued the Blues with a €5000 fine for pitch invasions in the clash against Malmo in the last round.
The Blues are battling to finish in the Premier League top four in a bid to secure a Champions League spot for next season.
However, Maurizio Sarri's side can claim a place in among football's elite if they win the Europa League.
The Blues thrashed Dynamo Kiev 8-0 in the last 16 to reach the last eight, and travel to the Czech Republic for the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final clash on Thursday, April 11.
Chelsea then play the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge the following week, with the two games falling either side of a huge Premier League clash with title-chasing Liverpool.
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