UEFA has reached a new level of self-parody by launching disciplinary proceedings against Manchester City after their fans booed the Champions League anthem before Wednesday’s 2–1 win against Sevilla.

From Sky Sports:

City have been charged with disrupting the competition under Article 16.2G of UEFA’s disciplinary code.

UEFA will judge the case on November 19.

UEFA have confirmed that disciplinary proceedings have been opened against City. 'Disruption of competition anthem
Art. 16 (2) (g) DR'.

— Mike Keegan (@MikeKeegan_DM) October 22, 2015

The fact that there is a disciplinary code article entitled “disruption of competition anthem” is remarkable in itself. I mean, yes, the Champions League anthem is spectacular, but let’s ratchet down the pompous self-aggrandizement a few hundred notches.

It’s unclear what Man City’s punishment could be if found guilty of this unconscionable charge, but UEFA did fine Nicklas Bendtner €100,000 for flashing the name of an unapproved sponsor on his underpants waistband after scoring a goal during Euro 2012 — more than they routinely demand for instances of racism and violence — so it could be quite stiff. After all, Michel Platini’s defense isn’t going to pay for itself.