Dundalk boss Filippo Giovagnoli is banned from all matchday activity for their upcoming clash with Arsenal, whilst the club have received a €50,000 fine.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Filippo Giovagnoli, Head Coach of Dundalk (L) and Shane Keegan, Opposition Analyst of Dundalk (R) look on during the warm up prior to the UEFA Europa League Group B stage match between Arsenal FC and Dundalk FC at Emirates Stadium on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Filippo Giovagnoli, Head Coach of Dundalk (L) and Shane Keegan, Opposition Analyst of Dundalk (R) look on during the warm-up prior to the UEFA Europa League Group B stage match between Arsenal FC and Dundalk FC at Emirates Stadium on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Independent.ie report that UEFA have hit Dundalk with a €50k fine for the involvement of head coach Filippo Giovagnoli in their Europa League games despite his lack of a Pro Licence. Giovagnoli is also banned from matchday activity for Dundalk’s final group games.

Dundalk had tried to avoid this punishment by listing Shane Keegan, who does have a Pro Licence, on their teamsheet for games. However, UEFA claim it was clear Giovagnoli was ‘shadow coaching’ the game.

Arsenal face Dundalk next Thursday, in their final Europa League group stage game.

At this stage, it’s unlikely either side will have much to play for, with Dundalk already out of contention for the knockout stages and Arsenal just one point (or a narrow defeat to Rapid Vienna) from topping the group.

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Still, the chance to host a club like Arsenal is what Dundalk are in the competition to do in the first place. Even if there’s little to gain from a win, the League of Ireland Premier Division side will want to give a good account of themselves.

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