Atletico Madrid and Lazio sanctioned by UEFA for fans' racist and/or discriminatory behavior
NYON, Switzerland (AP) — Atletico Madrid and Lazio were sanctioned by UEFA on Friday for the racist and/or discriminatory behavior of their fans.
The 11-time Spanish champion Atletico was fined 30,000 euros ($32,800) and given a suspended ban from selling tickets to supporters for one away match in UEFA competitions. The ban was suspended for one year.
European soccer's governing body said there had been racist and/or discriminatory behavior from Atletico’s supporters during the Champions League game against Benfica at the start of the month.
Lazio has been fined and ordered to close sections of its stadium for what UEFA described as the “racist conduct of its supporters.”
The two-time Italian champion was ordered to pay 45,000 euros ($49,200) because of the behavior of its fans during a Europa League game against Nice this month.
UEFA said it had enforced a suspended disciplinary measure dating back to December 2023 to close two sections of Lazio's Stadio Olimpico for its next home game in the Europa League against Porto on Nov. 7.
It also suspended a further closure of those sections for an additional match in UEFA competitions. The suspension was for one year.
Lazio was also fined 4,500 euros ($4,900) for the lighting of fireworks, 9,000 euros ($9,800) for the throwing of objects and 8,000 euros ($8,750) for the blocking of public passageways.
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