UEFA has imposed a one-match ban on Lazio’s Curva Nord following incidents during their recent Europa League match against Nice. The disciplinary action comes in response to racist chants directed at Nice’s players of color, accompanied by fascist salutes from some supporters in the stadium’s north stand.
UEFA inspectors noted that the offensive behavior was limited to sections 48 and 49 of the Olimpico Stadium, which are the central parts of the Curva Nord. As a result, the ban applies only to these specific areas rather than the entire curva or stadium. Additionally, these sections face a suspended one-match ban, which will be enforced if similar incidents occur within the next year.
The ban will be served during Lazio’s home match against Porto. The suspended sentence will come into effect from the subsequent game against Ludogorets.
In addition to the partial stadium closure, UEFA has fined Lazio €45,000. The club faces further penalties: €4,500 for the use of fireworks, €9,000 for throwing objects, and €8,000 for blocking public passageways (including escape routes and stairs).
This sanction is not unprecedented for Lazio and its supporters. The last time the Roman club was required to play a European home game with part of the stadium closed was in December 2023, during their final Champions League group stage match.
