Lazio players celebrate at the end of an Europa League, round of 32 , second leg soccer match between Lazio and Borussia Moenchengladbach, in Rome, Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013. Lazio won 2-0 and qualified for the next round. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
UEFA orders Lazio stadium closure for fans' racism
Published: 08:03:28 PM, Wed 27 February 2013 UTC
NYON, Switzerland (AP) — UEFA has ordered Lazio to play its next two home matches in European competition in an empty stadium as punishment for a fourth offense of racist behavior by its fans this season.
Lazio's Olympic Stadium will first be closed to supporters when the Rome club hosts Stuttgart in a Europa League last-16, second-leg match on March 14.
UEFA did not specify the offensive behavior, which was widely reported to have been fans making fascist-style salutes.
Lazio was also fined €40,000 ($52,000). Its UEFA fines now total €220,000 ($294,000) this season.
Lazio's latest sanction followed incidents during a 2-0 victory against Borussia Moenchengladbach last Thursday.
UEFA previously found Lazio fans guilty after home and away matches against Tottenham, and away to Maribor.
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