AC Fiorentina secured a 4:2 victory against FC St. Gallen in a tumultuous European match marked by extensive pyrotechnics and crowd disturbances. Despite not fielding their senior team, Fiorentina dominated. While Italian clubs progress in Europe, both St. Gallen and Young Boys struggle, combining for zero points in tough matchups. Following repeated safety violations and incidents of fan behavior, UEFA imposed fines and sanctions on both clubs, raising concerns for future encounters and the integrity of the matches.
AC Fiorentina showcased its strength during a recent European Cup match in St. Gallen, defeating FC St. Gallen 4-2 despite fielding a less experienced squad. Just months after succumbing to Olympiakos Piraeus in the 2024 Conference League final, Fiorentina proved too dominant, agile, and relentless for their Swiss counterparts.
Italian clubs have approached their games in Switzerland with a steady determination. Inter Milan secured a narrow 1-0 victory over YB in Bern, while Fiorentina also emerged victorious the following day. Unfortunately for the Swiss teams, they have struggled in the competition, with YB and St. Gallen both sitting at the bottom of their respective groups, failing to secure any points against formidable opponents like Aston Villa, Barcelona, Inter Milan, and AC Fiorentina.
Pyrrotechnics Dominate the Match
The match in St. Gallen was not just about the scoreline; it was an experience filled with noise and chaos. As fans witnessed six goals, they were also treated to a flamboyant display of pyrotechnics from the stands. The match was interrupted within the first 10 minutes as flares erupted and two loud firecrackers went off, filling the stadium with smoke.
The interruptions didn’t stop there; a second delay occurred, extending the first half by six minutes. As the match progressed into the second half, more flares were set off, prompting the fire department to intervene. Excitement escalated with the launch of fireworks and multiple detonations, leading the referee to halt the game yet again. The repeated announcements cautioning against fire usage fell on deaf ears, igniting intense interactions among officials on the sidelines.
Fiorentina’s captain, Cristiano Biraghi, attempted to pacify the situation by approaching the corner, but tensions remained high among the St. Gallen fans, who chanted provocatively. As the fracas continued, the referee indicated that both teams would retire to the locker rooms if further incidents occurred. Following Biraghi’s efforts, a semblance of calm returned, although nine minutes of stoppage time were added due to the disruptions.
In the stands, some Fiorentina supporters captured the smoking section on their phones, fascinated yet concerned. An Italian fan remarked that the situation was unusual, noting that it could often be worse.
St. Gallen Faces Consequences
The events of this European Cup match in St. Gallen attracted a heavy police presence and resulted in significant repercussions for the local club. FC St. Gallen was recently fined €45,000 by UEFA after fans ignited numerous fireworks during a previous encounter in Bruges. The infringement included property damage, leading to a two-year suspended sentence: any further pyrotechnic displays would result in the closure of the guest sector, effectively barring the team’s fans from attending future matches abroad.
Meanwhile, AC Fiorentina is no stranger to disciplinary action. Following their recent Conference League final, UEFA imposed a €35,000 fine due to fan misconduct, including damage to property and the use of pyrotechnics. Additionally, they were prohibited from selling tickets for their next European away match and are on probation for two years due to past infractions.
Fiorentina’s impressive 4-2 victory amidst the tumult in St. Gallen will surely lead to further disciplinary measures as authorities continue to address the issue of fan safety and behavior in European competitions.