ROME -- Lazio says it may appeal against UEFA's "severe punishment" for the racist behaviour of some of the Italian club's fans during a recent Europa League match.
As well as racist chanting in the Oct. 3 match against Rennes, some Lazio fans also made fascist salutes during their team's 2-1 victory.
UEFA is not expected to publicly announce its ruling until after its disciplinary committee meets Thursday but Lazio released a statement on Tuesday, indicating that it has already been informed of sanctions.
It says the "decisions of UEFA's 'Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body' ... constitute a severe punishment which appears to have taken into account the clear condemnation swiftly expressed by the Biancocelesti club against the odious racist behaviour of a few irresponsible people."
Lazio reiterated its intention to pursue those responsible in criminal and civil courts but also adds that it reserves the right to appeal "on the basis of the outcome which still has to be finalized."
Lazio had to play the match against Rennes with a stand closed after previous racist chanting and it could see more of its stadium -- or potentially all of it -- shut down, especially with the pressure on UEFA after more racist chanting blighted England's 6-0 win in Bulgaria on Monday.
