8℃

Mainly Clear

Victoria

5-Day Forecast

  • Tonight
    Mainly Clear

    8℃ / -℃

    Chance of showers

  • Wednesday
    Mainly Clear

    9℃ / 12℃

    Chance of showers

  • Thursday
    Mainly Clear

    - / 18℃

    Chance of showers

  • Friday
    Mainly Clear

    9℃ / 17℃

    Chance of showers

  • Saturday
    Mainly Clear

    9℃ / 15℃

    Chance of showers

Close

Lazio faces 4th UEFA charge of fans' racist abuse in Europa League; stadium closure likely

The Associated Press / Times Colonist
February 25, 2013

Lazio midfielder Antonio Candreva scores the opening goal during an Europa League, round of 32 , second leg soccer match between Lazio and Borussia Moenchengladbach, in Rome, Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Marco Rosi, Lapresse) ITALY OUT

NYON, Switzerland - UEFA has charged Lazio over racist abuse by its fans for the fourth time in the Europa League this season, ensuring the Italian club is facing a stadium closure.

Lazio's latest case follows alleged incidents of "racist behaviour" during a 2-0 victory against Borussia Moenchengladbach in Rome last Thursday.

UEFA said its disciplinary panel will meet on Wednesday, and also judge charges of Lazio fans throwing objects, plus "insufficient organization" at Olympic Stadium.

The match was Lazio's first in a UEFA competition during a two-year probationary period after incidents at home against Tottenham and away to Spurs and Maribor.

UEFA could now activate a stadium closure order that was deferred in January.

If found guilty Wednesday, the punishment would probably be imposed when Lazio hosts Stuttgart on March 14 in the second leg of the last 16.

Lazio would also face a further financial penalty after UEFA already ordered fines totalling €180,000 ($242,000) this season.

Moenchengladbach also faces a UEFA charge over its fans lighting fireworks in the stadium.

The second-leg match, following a 3-3 draw in Germany, was played after tension in Rome the previous evening.

Three fans of the German club were stabbed. Two were detained overnight in a hospital, though neither had serious injuries.

© Copyright 2013

Email to a Friend

Close

Most Popular