Lazio faces another UEFA charge

NYON, Switzerland (AP)

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UEFA has charged Lazio over racist abuse by its fans for the fourth time in the Europa League this season, ensuring the Italian club is facing a stadium closure.

Lazio's latest case follows alleged incidents of ''racist behavior'' during a 2-0 victory against Borussia Moenchengladbach in Rome last Thursday.

UEFA said its disciplinary panel will meet on Wednesday, and also judge charges of Lazio fans throwing objects, plus ''insufficient organization'' at Olympic Stadium.

The match was Lazio's first in a UEFA competition during a two-year probationary period after incidents at home against Tottenham and away to Spurs and Maribor.

UEFA could now activate a stadium closure order that was deferred in January.

If found guilty Wednesday, the punishment would probably be imposed when Lazio hosts Stuttgart on March 14 in the second leg of the last 16.

Lazio would also face a further financial penalty after UEFA already ordered fines totaling $242,000 this season.

Moenchengladbach also faces a UEFA charge over its fans lighting fireworks in the stadium.

The second-leg match, following a 3-3 draw in Germany, was played after tension in Rome the previous evening.

Three fans of the German club were stabbed. Two were detained overnight in a hospital, though neither had serious injuries.