Stadium ban for Lazio racism
Friday, December 10, 2004
Article summary
S.S. Lazio will have to play a game behind closed doors while Real Madrid CF have been fined.
Article body
Stadium ban
UEFA's control and disciplinary body has punished the Rome club with a stadium ban following racist abuse and crowd disturbances - including missile throwing and flares being set off, clashes with police and a stabbing incident - during the UEFA Cup match against FK Partizan on 25 November.
Ban carried over
Lazio, who have now been penalised three times for racism offences, have completed their fixtures in this season's competition, meaning the ban will carry over until they next qualify for a UEFA club competition. Partizan, meanwhile, were fined €5,200 after their fans threw flares during the 2-2 draw at the Stadio Olimpico.
Madrid fined
Real Madrid CF, meanwhile, have been fined €9,780 following the racist behaviour of some of their supporters during last month's UEFA Champions League game with Bayer 04 Leverkusen. UEFA had instigated disciplinary proceedings following an investigation into incidents at the Santiago Bernabéu on 23 November, which included racist chanting at the German club's black players. Some fans were also seen making Nazi salutes.
Fight against racism
In reaching the decision, the control and disciplinary body took into account that this was the first time incidents of this kind had occurred involving supporters of the Madrid team.
Other clubs
A number of other clubs have also received sanctions. Olympiacos CFP have been fined €65,000 after their fans set off flares and threw missiles during their Champions League home match against RC Deportivo La Coruña. UEFA also cited a general lack of security in the club's stadium at the game on 23 November, and the fact this problem had occurred on several occasions previously.
Appeal possible
PFC CSKA Moskva must pay a €22,800 penalty for the throwing of missiles at players and lighting of flares during their Champions League home tie against FC Porto on 24 November. Finally, Club Brugge KV have received a €13,000 fine for racist abuse by some of their supporters towards FC Utrecht players during the sides' UEFA Cup meeting on 25 November. All of the clubs have until midnight on Monday to appeal.
