UEFA fined Lille for displaying a 'tifo' during the first leg of the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 match against Aston Villa (0-1). The match, held on March 12 in Lille, saw fans of the French club unfurl a banner featuring the national flag and an image of Joan of Arc in armor, wielding a sword. The banner included the inscription in English "The French never die," along with the slogans "Proud. Strong. Fierce" and "Joan raises her sword, and Lille continues to fight." This references the Hundred Years' War, which took place between the 15th and 19th centuries between the two countries. Lille, where Portuguese players Félix Correia and Tiago Santos play, was fined €17,500 for the banner. The club was also penalized for the throwing of objects by fans, the lighting of flares, and the delay in starting the match. The total fine amounts to €82,750. The French club was ultimately eliminated by Aston Villa with an aggregate score of 0-3, thus ending their campaign in the UEFA Europa League.
Aston Villa Joan of Arc remains central to this story.
Aston Villa Joan of Arc remains central to this story.
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