Lazio and Madrid appeals rejected

Appeals decision
The appeals body, in its meeting today, also rejected an appeal by Real Madrid CF against a €9,700 fine following the racist behaviour of some fans at a UEFA Champions League match in Madrid in November.

Behind closed doors
Lazio were ordered to play their next game behind closed doors by UEFA's control and disciplinary committee in December after it considered evidence of racist abuse and crowd disturbances during the UEFA Cup tie against FK Partizan on 25 November.

Incidents
These incidents included missiles being thrown on to the pitch and flares being set off, and the stabbing of a Partizan supporter outside the stadium before the game. Lazio, who drew the match 2-2, completed the UEFA Cup group stage with three points from four games, which led to their elimination from the competition.

Madrid fine
Meanwhile, Madrid were originally fined in December by the control and disciplinary body after UEFA had launched an inquiry into various incidents which took place at their Champions League Group B match against Bayer 04 Leverkusen at the Santiago Bernabéu on 23 November. Some Madrid fans were said to have directed racist chants at Leverkusen's black players and made Nazi salutes.