UEFA have taken a firm stance against Lazio following recent incidents of racist behaviour by a section of their fans. The European football governing body’s decision comes in response to racist chants and howls directed at opposing players during Lazio’s Europa League match against Nice on October 3rd at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, which Lazio won 4-1.
Calciomercato report that as a result of these actions, UEFA’s Disciplinary Committee has ordered the closure of sections 48 and 49 of the Curva Nord for Lazio’s next Europa League home match against Porto on November 7th. This partial stadium ban is intended to send a clear message against racism and discriminatory behavior in football.
In response to the sanctions, Lazio has offered season ticket holders from the affected sections the opportunity to purchase tickets for other areas of the stadium at discounted prices. Fans can choose to buy €1 tickets for the Curva Nord and Distinti Nord sections, subject to availability, or opt for tickets in other parts of the stadium at reduced rates.
However, this workaround by Lazio has reportedly irritated UEFA officials. According to Il Messaggero, the European football body views this move as potentially undermining the impact of the punishment. UEFA is said to be prepared to impose even harsher sanctions if any further incidents occur or if there is even a hint of racist behavior during the upcoming match against Porto.
