06 January 2025 GMT: 06:55

Lazio hit with “improper conduct” charge

lazio fans_22-09-12

By Andrew Warshaw

September 22 – UEFA has begun disciplinary proceedings against Italian club Lazio for “improper conduct” by supporters during Thursday’s (September 20) Europa League tie at Tottenham Hotspur.

Sections of the Lazio end at Tottenham’s White Hart Lane ground were clearly heard making racist noises, most notably monkey chants, towards three Spurs players.

UEFA has now charged the Rome club after receiving reports from referee Ovidiu Alin Hategan (pictured below, left) and delegate Adonis Procopiou.

The organisation’s Control and Disciplinary Body will meet on October 18 to discuss the case.

“UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Lazio for the improper conduct of the club’s supporters [racist behaviour] during the UEFA Europa League group stage match on Thursday September 20 between Tottenham Hotspur FC and the Italian side,” a statement read.

Ovidiu Alin_Hategan__Sept_23
If Lazio’s fans are found guilty the club will be fined around £16,000 ($26,000/€20,000) and might even be forced to play one or more of their games behind closed doors.

Significantly, UEFA President Michel Platini, who has increasingly clamped down on racist behaviour, was at the game which ended goalless.

Piara Powar, executive director of the anti-discrimination group Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE), which was given a monitoring role at the 2012 European Championship in Poland and Ukraine, said its members were in the crowd on Thursday.

“UEFA normally operate a ‘three strikes and you’re out’ policy, and I think Lazio are at first base in that respect, but if UEFA really want to send out a strong message, I think they can do so regardless of whether it’s a first or second offence,” he said.

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