Lazio appeal stadium ban
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Article summary
S.S. Lazio have appealed against a ruling that they must play a European match behind closed doors.
Article body
Stadium ban
UEFA's control and disciplinary body handed down a stadium ban to the Rome club last week, citing racist abuse and crowd disturbances - including missile throwing and flares being set off, clashes with police and a stabbing incident - during the game against FK Partizan on 25 November.
Ban carried over
With one game to play, Lazio are unable to qualify from the UEFA Cup group stage which means that the ban – subject to the result of their appeal - would carry over until they next qualify for a UEFA club competition.
Madrid fined
In another case, Real Madrid CF have also lodged an appeal against the €9,780 fine imposed by UEFA for the behaviour of some of their supporters during last month's UEFA Champions League game with Bayer 04 Leverkusen.
UEFA investigation
UEFA had instigated disciplinary proceedings following an investigation into incidents at the Santiago Bernabéu on 23 November, which the control and disciplinary body heard had included racist chanting at the German club's black players. Some fans were also seen making Nazi salutes, UEFA heard at last week's proceedings.
Appeal hearings
A UEFA spokesman said the appeal proceedings in both cases will take place in January.
