Motherwell have been hit with a €25,000 fine from UEFA for fan misconduct during their recent UEFA Conference League play-off against SC Freiburg. The financial penalty adds to a mounting bill from European matches and comes with a separate reprimand from the SPFL for a pitch incursion against St Mirren.

The governing body imposed the fine, with €20,000 relating to pyrotechnic discharges by supporters during the second leg in Germany. A further €5,000 was levied for a pitch incursion that occurred during the home leg at Fir Park. The club exited the competition after a 4-1 aggregate defeat.

SPFL reprimand and club plea

Domestically, the SPFL has officially reprimanded Motherwell for a pitch invasion during their 3-3 draw with St Mirren in Paisley last month. In a statement addressing both incidents, the club expressed disappointment. "We are disappointed that our recent communication appealing to supporters to act responsibly was ignored by a small minority of fans," the club said.

The statement pleaded with fans who invaded the pitch or used pyrotechnics not to repeat the behaviour. It stressed that the vast majority of supporters behave responsibly and that no specific group is being targeted. Motherwell also thanked fans for their backing during trips to the Faroe Islands, Finland, Germany and at home.

Mounting financial pressure

These latest fines increase a significant financial cost the club had already anticipated. Four weeks ago, a statement warned of substantial costs from UEFA sanctions and damage, including to an LED board during the HJK Helsinki qualifier. The total from earlier European matches this season exceeded £100,000.

This off-field setback comes as Motherwell prepare for a key home fixture against Celtic on 11 October. The team currently sits 9th in the Premiership standings with 8 points from 7 games, having lost their last three league matches. The financial penalties arrive during a difficult period on the pitch, with the team looking to halt their slide down the standings when they face Celtic.

More detail at Daily Record Football