Linfield have said a “small minority of supporters” are damaging the club’s reputation after being fined for two separate incidents during this month’s Champions League qualifier against Shelbourne.
On Thursday, the Belfast club were fined 10,000 euro (£8,727) for “racist and/or discriminatory behaviour of its supporters” and 2,000 euro (£1,745) for the lighting of fireworks in Windsor Park during the second leg on 16 July.
The Irish Premiership champions were also handed a partial stadium ban, which is suspended for two years.
Responding to the sanction on Friday, Linfield noted their “extreme disappointment”, adding: “This sanction is as a result of sectarian chanting and the use of flares by individuals who would profess to be our supporters.
“The club has repeatedly urged its supporters to refrain from all forms of sectarian and discriminatory chanting at our games and also to avoid the use of pyrotechnics.
“We had a fantastic number of fans present at the Shelbourne game and it is deeply frustrating that a small minority of supporters continue to disregard our appeals and consequently damage the reputation of the club.”
The Windsor Park game finished 1-1 with Dubliners Shelbourne progressing 2-1 on aggregate.
Linfield’s statement added: “Uefa have also warned that partial stadium closure will follow if there is any repeat of such behaviour over the next two years.
“The club would again appeal to all supporters to take heed of this warning and ensure that the club does not receive further financial punishment and reputational damage.”
Linfield returned to action on Thursday with a 0-0 first-leg draw away to Lithuanian side Zalgiris Vilnius in the second round of Uefa Conference League qualifying.
