Red Star Belgrade has been fined €40,000 by UEFA for a banner containing profanity, not for a display featuring an Orthodox Christian icon. The fine was imposed after a Europa League match against LOSC Lille on February 26. The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) told EWTN News that the fine was linked to a banner containing the phrase 'F*** UEFA' and not to the religious display. It added that there is no sanction related to the choreography itself. Greek member of European Parliament (MEP) Emmanouil Fragkos said the case raised broader concerns about the application of rules governing religious expression in European football. 'UEFA and all UEFAs must learn to be accountable to the football fans and all the real people,' Fragkos told EWTN News, adding that he supports religion, tradition, and the right of people to speak freely. He also emphasized the need for greater awareness among supporters of their 'collective power' in shaping how such decisions are received. In a letter to Glenn Micallef, the European commissioner for intergenerational fairness, youth, culture, and sport, Fragkos said the case 'raises serious concerns' about UEFA's approach, questioning how 'a peaceful expression of faith and identity' could be deemed inappropriate and calling for 'consistent and transparent application' of the rules governing messages displayed at matches. Reports had also pointed to a separate sanction involving LOSC Lille following its Europa League match against Aston Villa on March 12, where a banner depicting St. Joan of Arc was displayed. UEFA told EWTN News those claims were inaccurate, stating that any sanction in that case was related to insulting chants directed at an opposing goalkeeper and not to the imagery. The episode comes amid ongoing debates in Europe over the place of religious symbols in public life, including a case before the European Court of Human Rights, Union of Atheists v. Greece, concerning the display of Orthodox Christian icons in Greek courtrooms. The applicants argue that such imagery may affect perceptions of judicial neutrality and religious freedom.