UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Sporting Lisbon following the pitch invasion by a fan during Wednesday’s Champions League Group D game against Barcelona in Lisbon.
The supporter raced onto the Jose Alvalade stadium pitch late in the second half with the hosts 1-0 down and darted towards Barcelona star Lionel Messi.
He hugged the Argentina captain and kissed his boot before being whisked away by a steward. Barca prevailed, 1-0. On Thursday, UEFA announced it had opened disciplinary proceedings.
It has brought three charges against the Portugese club — field invasions by supporters, improper conduct of the team and blocking of stairways. UEFA, whose rules state that the host club is “responsible for order and security both inside and around the stadium before, during and after matches” said its disciplinary committee would deal with the case on Oct. 19.
Adriana Garcia is a Valencia-based football writer who covers La Liga for ESPN FC.