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Doherty feels Slovan Bratislava haven't been properly punished

Wolves defender Matt Doherty doesn't think tonight's opponents Slovan Bratislava have been proper...



Doherty feels Slovan Bratislav...
Soccer

Doherty feels Slovan Bratislava haven't been properly punished

Wolves defender Matt Doherty doesn't think tonight's opponents Slovan Bratislava have been properly punished by UEFA.

Their Europa League tie was due to be played behind closed doors due to racist chants but the Slovakian club have taken advantage of a loophole and gifted 21,000 tickets to children.

Republic of Ireland international Doherty feels it undermines the punishment:

“If it’s behind-closed-doors, there is not meant to be anybody in the stadium. If it’s a full house, you’re not really getting punished fully.

“Racism is happening way more than anyone would like, and more than anyone should have to deal with.

“You just have to leave it in their hands and trust what they’re doing.

“I haven’t experienced it first-hand – being on the pitch at the same time – and, hopefully, I never have to deal with that type of situation.”

The Dubliner was asked if he'd walk off the pitch if his teammates were subjected to abuse from the stands:

“If the players felt uncomfortable and they all agree on it, I’d have no problem with it.

“I’d hate to be in the position where you have to choose to stay on the pitch or go off.

“Hopefully, it doesn’t happen. I’d maybe be more along the lines of trying to beat them on the pitch and shut them up that way.”

The full-back says they want to make an impression in Europe this season:

“This is why we busted a gut last season to finish seventh.

“These are the kinds of challenges we want. We want to get out the group, and go as far as we can.

“This is the next game, obviously it’s important for us, and, hopefully, we can win.

“This is kind of the start for us in terms of our European adventure.

“We want to do the best we can, and if that means winning it and getting into the Champions League, then great. That is obviously very attractive to us.”

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