EMPTY THREAT HITS NUNO

MATT DOHERTY believes Slovan Bratislava have been let off lightly by UEFA as Nuno Espirito Santo and his Wolves team prepare for the farce of playing in a full house when they had anticipated an empty stadium. This Europa League fixture was supposed to have been played behind closed doors because of the racist behaviour of Slovan fans against Greek club PAOK in August. But new UEFA rules allow clubs punished in this way to hand out free tickets to children aged 14 and under. One accompanying adult will be admitted for every 10 children at the 22,500-capacity National Stadium. Wolves, meanwhile, have received only 200 tickets, at £55 apiece, as part of those same rules. Doherty said: ‘I guess if it’s behind closed doors there’s meant to be nobody in the stadium, so if it’s a full house then you’re not really being punished fully, but I don’t know the ins and outs of the whole situation. It’s disappointing there are only 200 tickets for Wolves fans. They were part of our journey last season and sold out regularly, home and away.’ Slovan argue that the punishment will hit them with a bill of up to £1.75million, as matchday costs cannot be offset by gate receipts. But Wolves coach Nuno feels his club’s supporters have been harshly treated, saying: ‘If they allow young children to come into the stadium, why not our fans? It’s a big disappointment.’ Defender Ryan Bennett has not travelled due to a thigh problem, while forward Pedro Neto is out with a heel injury. Chem Campbell, 16, is in the squad.