European Football governing body, UEFA, have sanctioned four clubs for the racist behaviour of some supporters during this season’s UEFA club competitions qualifiers last month.
The UEFA’s displinary panel said on Tuesday that it had ordered the partial closure of the stadia of Georgian club Chikhura Sachkhere, Hungary’s Debrecen, Romanian side Steaua Bucharest, and Slovenians Maribor.
“The fight against racism is a high priority for UEFA,” said a statement on UEFA’s website.
“The European governing body has a zero-tolerance policy towards racism and discrimination on the pitch and in the stands.”
Steaua’s sanction takes effect on Wednesday and two sections of the National Arena will be closed against the Kazakhstan champions, Aktobe, in the second leg of their third qualifying round tie.
Debrecen are expected to shut sector B of their ground after fans showed an “illicit banner” during a match against Northern Ireland’s Cliftonville.
A section of Maribor’s stadium will also be closed after racist behaviour when Zrinjski of Bosnia-Herzegovina visited.
In a fourth case from the Europa League, the displinary panel ordered Chikhura Sachkhere to close the section of its stadium used by “ultras” on Thursday when Neftchi Baku of Azerbaijan visits. It followed incidents during a goalless draw with Bursaspor of Turkey on 24 July.
The incidents involving Steaua, Debrecen and Maribor all occurred during Champions League second qualifying round matches, while Chikhura Sachkhere were in Europa League action.
All four will have to play their next home European matches with sections of their stadiums closed.
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