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UEFA orders Legia Warsaw to play in empty stadium for fans' racism

The Associated Press Published Thursday, September 19, 2013 11:35AM EDT

Legia Warsaw's fans celebrate during the second leg of a Champions League playoffs soccer match between Legia Warsaw and Steaua Bucharest in Warsaw, Poland, Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2013. (AP / Czarek Sokolowski)

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NYON, Switzerland -- UEFA has ordered Legia Warsaw to play in an empty stadium after more racist incidents involving its fans at Champions League matches.

The punishment will apply when Legia hosts Apollon Limassol in a Europa League group match on Oct. 3.

UEFA says a second match sanction was deferred for a five-year probationary period. Legia must pay a 150,000 euros ($203,000) fine.

UEFA charged the club with several offences, including racist behaviour and the displaying of racist banners, at home and away matches against Molde and Steaua Bucharest in July and August.

Legia was eliminated by Steaua and dropped into the second-tier Europa League. It plays at Lazio later Thursday.

Part of Legia's stadium was partially closed when it hosted Steaua as punishment for previous incidents involving fans.