The reduction, by about a third, of the 25000 capacity of the Sparta stadium, was part of a punishment for the racist conduct of their fans against Ajax in the first Champs League match of the season on 14th September (a one all draw). They were also fined about £20,000

In particular, monkey chants were directed towards Ajax's right back Ryan Babel (who looked pretty good coming forward against us last night and who will therefore inevitably be linked with Arsenal before long). The UEFA site reported that the disgusting chants were heard on at least 3 occasions, when Babel was in possession of the ball, and that the areas of the ground to be closed are those from which the noises came.

It's not clear, from the the UEFA site, what basis Sparta think they have for an appeal. They won't be helped by the fact that they were punished last year for similar behaviour in a Champs League match against Lyon, when the fine was greater. Sparta have admitted the offence, saying that the culprits were "hard-core supporters" and that they have tried to get them to stop. If Sparta can't do anything then clearly UEFA must, so it's hard to see them overturning the ruling.

Sparta are not allowed to reduce the number of visiting fans or invited guests.