Euro big guns punished for racism

UEFA have announced Lazio must play their next European home game behind closed doors as punishment for their supporters’ racist behaviour.

And Spanish giants Real Madrid have been fined less than €10,000 for incidents at their Bernabeu stadium last month as the governing body cracks down on clubs found guilty.

Lazio – who joined Middlesbrough in the UEFA Cup Group E but failed to progress – found themselves in hot water after the Rome club’s fans clashed with police, threw missiles, set off flares and caused other disturbances – including a stabbing incident – during the match against Partizan Belgrade last month.

The Italian club have been penalised three times for racism offences and because they have already been knocked out of this season’s competition, the punishment will be carried over and applied when they next qualify for a UEFA club competition.

Partizan, meanwhile, were fined €5,200 euros after their fans threw flares during the 2-2 draw at the Stadio Olimpico.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid picked up a €9,789 fine for racist chanting during the Champions League match with Bayer Leverkusen.