Croatian club Hajduk Split have been fined €30,000 by UEFA for the trouble caused by their fans during the UEFA Cup match against Birkirkara at the National Stadium on July 31.

Hajduk fans were involved in violent clashes with local police early in the second half after the latter moved in to apprehend the supporters who had lit up flares, setting some seats on fire in the process.

The police intervention led to scuffles with several Hajduk fans, seven of whom were arrested and charged in court the following day.

Acting on the report of Jacques Antenen, the UEFA delegate for the Birkirkara-Hajduk match, UEFA's Control and Disciplinary Body hit the Croatian club with a €30,000 fine for the improper conduct of their supporters and banned their fans from travelling for their next two away games.

Sources told The Times that Antenen's detailed report on the incidents vindicated the action taken by the police, led by Assistant Commissioner Josie Brincat, despite Hajduk Split's accusation that the police used excessive force to restore order.

Antenen also recommended that UEFA appoint a security officer for every match played by Hajduk, home or away, because of the high risk of violence posed by the club's fans

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