UAE punished for shoe, bottle barrage during Asian Cup

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been fined 150,000 U.S. dollars and ordered to play a match behind closed doors on Monday after home fans pelted Qatar players with shoes and bottles during an Asian Cup semi-final defeat.

The tournament hosts were punished following January's combustible 4-0 loss in Abu Dhabi, when plastic water bottles and footwear – a traditional insult – were hurled at the Qataris, the eventual Asian Cup champions.

Crowd throw shoes and bottle into the field during the AFC Asian Cup semi-final between Qatar and United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi, UAE, January 29, 2019. /VCG Photo

The Asian Football Confederation's (AFC) disciplinary and ethics committee handed out the sanctions for infringements related to spectator conduct and match organization.

Along with the fine, the UAE were told to their play next home qualifier for the 2023 Asian Cup "without spectators" in an empty stadium, the statement said.

The AFC also said the UAE must settle the fine within 30 days and warned it that any future violations may lead to more severe punishment.

Qatar sealed their first continental title with a stunning 3-1 win over four-time champions Japan in the final.

(CGTN)