Real Madrid punished by UEFA for fans' racist behavior
Real's Xabi Alonso and Bayern's Thomas Mueller battle during the Champions League semifinal. (AP Photo/Paul White)
Real Madrid was punished by UEFA on Friday for racist behavior by its fans during a semifinal match against Bayern Munich, the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body announced Friday.
As part of the punishment, two sections (sectors 120 and 122) of the Santiago Bernabeu stadium will be closed for the team's first match at home in the Champions League group stage next season. Real Madrid, who won the Champions League title this year, will be obligated to display a banner with the words 'No to Racism' in those areas.
UEFA did not go into details of the racist abuse during Real Madrid's 1-0 win over Bayern on April 23.
More from the UEFA:
All forms of racist behaviour are considered serious offences against the disciplinary regulations and are severely punished. Following the entry into force of the new disciplinary regulations on 1 June 2013, the fight against racist conduct has been stepped up – resulting in tougher sanctions to deter any such behaviour.
