Hearts' European opponents FC Zurich fined after Craig Gordon struck by coin

FC Zurich have been punished by UEFA after Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon was struck by a missile thrown by away fans during last month’s Europa League play-off.

Gordon was preparing to take a free-kick during the match at Tynecastle when he suddenly clutched his head and then spoke to the match referee at length. Television pictures showed that he had been hit by what appeared to be a coin thrown from the Zurich support.

That prompted a charge from European football’s governing body and Zurich have now been fined over the behaviour of their supporters.

The throwing of a missile brought a €10,000 (£8,675) fine, while the club was also penalised for the use of fireworks or flares by the fans and told to pay another €11,250 (£9,750).

Zurich were also given a formal warning about the conduct of their supporters.

The Swiss club won the tie 3-1 on aggregate to progress to the Europa League group stage.

“I don’t know what I was hit with,” Gordon said after the game. “I couldn’t see it or find what it was.

“Maybe the TV cameras have caught it but I was hit with something on the back of the head.

“It’s not ideal and you don’t want to be facing that when you’re on the pitch. It can be dangerous and that’s disappointing.

“There’s no excuse for it. The players are out there putting on a great show in a really competitive game and we don’t need to be facing that.

“It’s disappointing and I hope we can all do something to stop it.”

Hearts moved into the Europa Conference League group stage, where they were drawn to face Fiorentina, Istanbul Basaksehir and RFS.

The Tynecastle side lost their opening game 4-0 at home to Basaksehir.