NYON: UEFA has ordered four partial stadium closures after the resumption of European club competition also brought a resumption of racist behaviour by hooligan fans in the Champions and Europa Leagues.

In the Champions League, a one-game partial closure has been imposed on:

Hungary’s Debrecen, for an ‘illicit banner,’after their 2-0 win over Cliftonville;

Romania’s Steaua Bucharest for racist behaviour of fans during the 2-0 win over Norway’s Strømsgodset;

Slovenia’s Maribor for fans’ racist behaviour at the 2-0 win over HŠK Zrinjski.

Also, in the UEFA Europa League, a one-game partial closure has been imposed on:

Georgia’s Chikhura Sachkhere for fans’ racist behaviour at the goalless draw against Bursaspor of Turkey.

A statement from the European federation reiterated that “the fight against racism is a high priority for UEFA. The European governing body has a zero-tolerance policy towards racism and discrimination on the pitch and in the stands.

“All forms of racist behaviour are considered serious offences against the disciplinary regulations and are punished with the most severe sanctions.

“Following the entry into force of the new disciplinary regulations on 1 June 2013, the fight against racist conduct has been stepped up a level – resulting in more severe sanctions to deter any such behaviour.”

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