NYON: European federation UEFA has imposed a partial stadium closure on Champions League holders Real Madrid after racist incidents at the semi-final first leg against Bayern München at the Estadio Bernabéu on April 23.
Sectors 120 and 122 of the stadium will be closed for the club’s next UEFA competition home game and Madrid must display a banner with the wording ‘No to Racism’ in those sectors, usually populated by the Ultrasur.
UEFA, in a statement, added: “The fight against racism is a high priority for UEFA. European football’s governing body has a zero-tolerance policy towards racism and discrimination, both on the pitch and in the stands.
“All forms of racist behaviour are considered serious offences against the disciplinary regulations and are severely punished. Following the entry into force of the new disciplinary regulations on 1 June 2013, the fight against racist conduct has been stepped up – resulting in tougher sanctions to deter any such behaviour.”
Disciplinary proceedings are awaited over the two teams’ misbehaviour at the 2014 Champions League final in Lisbon between Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid.
UEFA has also opened disciplinary proceedings against Turkish clubs Eskişehirspor and Sivasspor over match manipulation allegations.
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