The Valencia supporters who were filmed making racist gestures and Nazi salutes at the Emirates will only face a two-year ban from the club if/when they are identified.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 02: A Valencia fan reacts after the UEFA Europa League Semi Final First Leg match between Arsenal and Valencia at Emirates Stadium on May 2, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images,)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 02: A Valencia fan reacts after the UEFA Europa League Semi Final First Leg match between Arsenal and Valencia at Emirates Stadium on May 2, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images,)

The fans were captured on video by Arsenal fans in the ground and Valencia’s statement when the matter came to light left a lot to be desired as they sought to blame home fans for ‘provocation’. I guess for some ‘fans’ just seeing the existence of black people is all the provocation they need.

According to a report in AS, the fans, when identified, will only be banned for two years. In England, this sort of action would see a lifetime ban issued.

190705 as racist fans
AS 7 May 2019

The La Liga side have opened an investigation but the maximum punishment available is a two-year stadium ban which is simply not good enough.

The above text states, “Valencia, on the other hand, opened yesterday the dossier to the partner identified by performing gestures nazis at the Emirates Stadium. The legal services of the club are working to impose the maximum punishment which the regulations permit (two years without being able to access the Mestalla stadium).”

Speaking after the match at the Emirates, Kick It Out released a statement that said, “These blatant racist gestures are shocking and inexcusable.

“We hope the relevant authorities identify the perpetrators and take the strongest possible punishment.

“There is no place for any form of discrimination in football or society.”

In total, six Valencia fans were ejected from the Emirates during the first leg for what was reported as ‘foul and abusive language’ although at the time it was not clear if they were also related to the offensive and racist gestures.

Arsenal are expected to have 2,500 fans in the Mestalla on Thursday night.

Valencia last hosted a British side when Celtic travelled there in February. Six Celtic supporters were arrested for ‘disturbances in the city’.