League of Ireland football team Dundalk FC have been hit with a fine of €18,000 following an incident that saw some of their supporters fly a Palestinian flag at a Europa League qualifier against Hajduk Split.

A delegate from UEFA, who was in attendance at the match, ordered the flag to be removed from Oriel Park, pursuant to regulations on flags that have deemed to be "inappropriate by UEFA."

Dundalk FC have acknowledged that they have been fined and have requested further information on the charges before they begin appeal procedures.

Fascist flags and politically incendiary flags are a common fixture in UEFA games, many of which pass off without comment or criticism from UEFA.

In Euro 2012, a massive banner with the words 'This Is Russia' flew over the Russia and Poland match. The game ended in violence between fans and caused UEFA to fine Russia for the violence which followed.

It may be that UEFA is taking flag offences more seriously, but a low-level Europa qualifier?

Apparently that's enough to warrant UEFA trotting out regulations.