Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund Charged by UEFA

Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund may have been involved in a tense, intensely competitive, and gripping game on Thursday, but UEFA took a dim view of fan behaviour at Signal Iduna Park. For those keeping record, the "offences" were nowhere as serious as what took place in the previous round.

Chanting, fireworks, throwing objects, and general poor form were all on show at Old Trafford in the second leg of the last 16 clash between Manchester United and Liverpool. Manchester United were charged with blocked stairways, throwing objects, and general poor form. Unacceptable and disgusting chants from both sets of fans about the horrors of Hillsborough and Munich are still being investigated by UEFA.

In Thursday's first leg in Germany, a number of offences were deemed worthy of further investigation. Liverpool fell foul of UEFA's standards after the away fans let off fireworks in Germany, while Borussia Dortmund will have to answer for stairways being blocked. The game appeared to be a competitive and good-natured one with two sets of fans that displayed their admiration and respect for each other.

The confirmed cases against Liverpool in the last 16 and quarter-final ties will be dealt with on 19 May, which takes place after the Europa League final. It would be wise if fans avoided getting into more trouble by refraining from using flares, fireworks, and other elements that bring more unwanted attention to the club. The chanting should be an obvious area for fans to understand, but further words shouldn't be wasted on those who would mock the dead as some twisted way to support their team.

The first leg was a wonderful occasion, and perhaps UEFA won't take a strong stance on what occurred there. As for the conduct during the last 16 tie, there might be some trouble ahead.