UEFA orders next Romania home duel behind closed doors due to racism

The UEFA's Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body on Friday imposed a ban on Romanian fans attending their national football team's next home game in the UEFA Nations League as a result of racist behaviour from home supporters during Romania's most recent match against Serbia (0-0).

During the October 14 clash with Serbia, Romanian fans displayed racist banners, shouted racial slurs, set off fireworks and invaded the pitch, according to the UEFA website, reports Efe.

"The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body has decided to order the Romanian Football Federation to play their next UEFA competition match as host association behind closed doors and to fine the Romanian Football Federation 50,000 euros ($56,700) for the racist behaviour of its supporters," the UEFA said in a statement.

European football's governing body also announced that the Romanian Football Federation (RFF) is to be fined another 23,000 euros ($26,000) over the fireworks and field invasions.

In related news, the UEFA stated on Thursday that "disciplinary proceedings have been opened" regarding similar incidents that occurred during the UEFA Champions League group stage match between Greece's AEK Athens and Germany's Bayern Munich (0-2) held at the Greek capital on October 23, with the decision to be made by November 22.

--IANS

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