Turkish side Besiktas have been hit with multiple UEFA charges following yesterday's 3-1 loss at home to Bayern Munich.
The game, which ended with Bayern claiming an 8-1 aggregate victory and a place in the Champions League quarter-finals, was halted by referee Michael Oliver early in the second half aftera cat ran onto the field.
This feline interruption saw Besiktas charged with 'insufficient organisation', while the club's other alleged offences involved 'throwing objects' and 'stairways blocked'.
All three issues will be investigated at a hearing on May 31 when Besiktas could be banned from European competition from the beginning of next season.
Besiktas are currently second in the Turkish Super Lig and therefore on course to enter next season's Champions League in the third qualifying round.
The ban was suspended for two years and the club blocked their own supporters from travelling to European away games in a bid to limit the risk of further trouble.
A cat runs on the field during the UEFA Champions League Round 16 return match between Besiktas and FC Bayern Munich at Vodafone Park in Istanbul. Photo / Getty
However, if found guilty of fan disorder during the Bayern game, Besiktas face the very real prospect of being denied a place in any UEFA competition next season.
UEFA LAW ON INVADING CATS UEFA charged Besiktas under Article. 16 (1) after a cat interrupted Thursday's game. The law is presented on UEFA.com as follows:
Host clubs and national associations are responsible for order and security both inside and around the stadium before, during and after matches.
They are liable for incidents of any kind and may be subject to disciplinary measures and directives unless they can prove that they have not been negligent in any way in the organisation of the match.
