Steau fail in appeal over racist abuse to Shels player

UEFA's Appeals Body has rejected an appeal by Romanian team FC Steaua Bucuresti in a case involving the racist conduct of their supporters. On the other hand, the Appeals Body upheld the appeal submitted by UEFA in this case.



First time
At its meeting in Nyon, the Appeals Body increased the fine awarded to Steaua to €19,500, and the club have been ordered to play their next UEFA Cup home game in a stadium 250km away. It is the first time a stadium has been closed as a disciplinary measure for a racist act.

Fan misconduct
The original fine of €16,500, imposed on Steaua by the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Committee, was prompted by supporters making "monkey sounds" at Irish side Shelbourne FC's substitute Joseph Ndo in the final minutes of the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round second leg. It was acknowledged at the appeals hearing, on the basis of the evidence submitted, that the club did not do enough against this kind of misconduct among its fans.

Racist conduct
In another case, UEFA's appeal has been rejected by the Appeals Body in a hearing dealing with the racist conduct of Bulgarian team CSKA Sofia's supporters at another Champions League qualifier.
source: www.uefa.com