Spartak Moscow could play Liverpool behind closes doors as UEFA charge Russian club after referee was almost hit with a flare thrown by fans during Champions League draw with Maribor

  • Liverpool's away game at Spartak Moscow could be played in an empty stadium
  • The Reds visit the Russian outfit in the Champions League on September 26
  • Spartak were charged by UEFA after a flare nearly hit a referee Wednesday night
  • The incident occurred as Spartak drew 1-1 with Group E rivals Maribor in Slovenia
  • Ref Deniz Aytekin was almost hit by the missile fired from the Spartak away end
  • A UEFA statement said a disciplinary panel will judge the case on September 21
  • Other possible punishments include a part stadium closure or financial penalties

Liverpool fans are having to wait to find out whether UEFA slap Spartak Moscow with a punishment that will impact their long trip to Russia in less than two weeks.

After a fan fired a flare on to the pitch during Spartak's Champions League draw against Maribor on Wednesday night – narrowly missing the referee – the Russian club have been charged.

They will find out their fate at a hearing on September 21, just five days before Liverpool are scheduled to meet Spartak in their Group E game at the Otkrytie Arena in Moscow.


Spartak Moscow were charged by UEFA after a flare was thrown onto the pitch on Wednesday

Spartak Moscow were charged by UEFA after a flare was thrown onto the pitch on Wednesday

The missile narrowly missed German referee Deniz Aytekin in the middle of the field of play

The missile narrowly missed German referee Deniz Aytekin in the middle of the field of play

Among the punishments they could face from UEFA is that the match be played behind closed doors, leaving Liverpool's followers facing uncertainty.

The Premier League club are understood to have contacted European football's governing body about the potential effect the disciplinary proceedings will have on their fans.

A full stadium ban would see both sets of supporters told they cannot attend the group game on September 26.

Such a sanction would see English fans again pay the price for the actions of Eastern Europe hooligans, just as Manchester City were against CSKA Moscow in 2014.

Spartak Moscow supporters let off flares in the away end during their 1-1 draw with Maribor

It came from the away end as Spartak drew 1-1 with Maribor in Champions League Group E

One was fired from the stands onto the pitch during Wednesday's Champions League clash

Spartak's next European game is at home to Liverpool. It could be played in an empty stadium

Aleksandr Samedov scored for Spartak at Maribor, before the home side struck back

Aleksandr Samedov scored for Spartak at Maribor, before the home side struck back

It would be particularly unfair for Liverpool to be told with only five days' notice, given those travelling would have already bought flights and booked hotels.

It has been met with some surprise that UEFA have scheduled the hearing against Spartak so soon.

Celtic have also been charged after a fan ran on to the pitch and aimed a kick at Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe, though their case will be dealt with on October 19.

Spartak, whose supporters also clashed with police ahead of kick-off in Slovenia on Wednesday, will hope they are simply hit with a warning or fine.

Liverpool have 1,145 tickets available to their supporters, which went on sale as planned on Friday