Legia Warsaw condemned supporters who "clashed with stewards" during the Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund, "but have denied that anti-Semitic chanting took place," according to Joe Wright of GOAL. Wednesday's Group F clash, Legia's first in the competition in 21 years, "began amid a boisterous atmosphere that descended into scenes of violence during the first half." A group of Legia ultras "attempted to cross the empty section of seating used to segregate the Dortmund supporters from the home faithful." Video footage from the Polish Army Stadium "appeared to show some of the group using pepper spray against security staff as they tried to intervene." Legia has since issued a statement in which it vows "strict consequences" for the perpetrators, but insists that "claims of racist or anti-Semitic songs are wide of the mark" (GOAL, 9/15).
MAKING PEACE: ESPN.com's Jonathan Johnson reported Paris St. Germain "avoided a chanting boycott from supporters at home matches after agreeing to meet with the club's ultra factions and their legal representatives." The Paris Ultras' Collective (CUP) has confirmed that PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi "has agreed to meet with the group" along with the Association de Defense et d'Assistance Juridique des Interets des Supporters (ADAJIS) to discuss a potential return to the Parc des Princes. PSG has "long suffered problems" with its supporters, notably the estranged ultras whose ban from the stadium "predates the arrival" of owners Qatar Sports Investments in the French capital (ESPN.com, 9/14).
LA LIGA BACKS VALENCIA: ESPN.com's Adriana Garcia reported La Liga "has expressed its support to Valencia" after the club denounced "pressure, threats and coercion" from two radical fan groups during its home games. The club issued a statement on Wednesday indicating that in recent matches, members of ultra groups CN10 and Yomus had "threatened and intimidated young fans to stop cheering for the team." The statement added that club employees have also been subjected by such groups to a campaign of "intimidation, threats and hatred." The LFP applauded Valencia for publicly denouncing a situation it says is "completely unacceptable" (ESPN.com, 9/15).
