Champions League: Benfica Lisbon supporters barred from traveling to Nice

In a statement released on Tuesday, Benfica Lisbon announced that it has been banned by UEFA from selling tickets for its next away European match, namely the third preliminary round first leg of the Champions League scheduled for August 5 or 6 in Nice.

Serious incidents, including clashes with security personnel, occurred during a match against Barcelona at the Olympic Stadium in Montjuic on March 11, in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16.

Also subject to a "two-year suspended sentence," the Lisbon club calls on its fans "to represent Benfica with dignity, civility and respect, inside and outside the stadiums."

"The passion that drives us must always be accompanied by behavior that honors the club, protects its interests and helps ensure that nothing and no one limits the unconditional support that characterizes Benfiquistas worldwide," it reads.

The return match is scheduled for Tuesday, August 12, at the legendary Estadio da Luz.