Real Madrid hit with partial stadium closure following racist incident
May 30, 2014 11:56:00 AM
European football's governing body has taken action against the Champions League winners following incident during the home win over Bayern Munich
Uefa has ordered the partial closure of the Santiago Bernabeu for one match following racist behaviour by Real Madrid fans during the 1-0 Champions League win over Bayern Munich in April.
The Spanish giants recorded a narrow win over the Bundesliga giants that eventually set them on their way to Champions League glory, but part of their stadium will be shut down for their next home game in European competitions following incidents that took place during the game.
"The Uefa Control and Disciplinary Body has handed down sanctions to Real Madrid following incidents during their Champions League semi-final first leg against Bayern Munichen in the Spanish capital on 23 April," an official statement reads.
"Following the charge of racist behaviour by Real Madrid supporters during the match (Article 14 of the Uefa Disciplinary Regulations), the Control and Disciplinary Body has ordered the partial closure of the Santiago Bernabeu for one match. More specifically, sectors 120 and 122 of the stadium will be closed for the club's next Uefa competition home game.
"Real Madrid are obliged to display a banner with the wording 'No to Racism' in those sectors."
The fight against racism is a high priority for Uefa and European football's governing body has a zero-tolerance policy towards racism and discrimination, both on the pitch and in the stands.
All forms of racist behaviour are considered serious offences against the disciplinary regulations and are severely punished.