• Europa League

Lazio hit by UEFA racism fine

ESPN staff
October 18, 2012

Lazio have been hit with a £32,500 fine for improper conduct by UEFA for their fans' behaviour during the Europa League game at Tottenham last month.

Loud monkey chanting, aimed at Spurs players Jermain Defoe, Aaron Lennon and Andros Townsend, was heard to come from the away end during the goalless Group J clash. The Serie A side now have up to three days to appeal the fine.

The action, taken by UEFA's Control and Disciplinary Body, comes at a time when forthcoming Champions League and Europa League matches are being lined up to promote activities organised by UEFA and the equality group Football Against Racism in Europe.

And they come just days after Spurs youngster Danny Rose, currently on loan at Sunderland, appeared to suffer racist abuse from Serbia supporters during England Under-21's Euro 2013 Championship play-off.

Manager Andre Villas-Boas pledged his full support for Rose, saying: "It's extremely difficult for Danny. He was disappointed by that happening, by the situation which he had to live with, the atmosphere he was confronted with.

"I told Daniel I support him completely in this situation. He felt abused and this is obviously a serious matter which at the moment is in the hands of both FAs."

Tottenham travel to Lazio for the return tie on November 20.

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