THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
NYON, Switzerland — UEFA charged Lazio on Monday for “alleged racist behaviour” by fans accused of chanting anti-Semitic abuse at Tottenham during a Europa League match.
Lazio fans also displayed a “Free Palestine” banner at the Olympic Stadium on Nov. 22, apparently taunting Tottenham, which draws fans from the Jewish community.
UEFA said its disciplinary panel will judge the case on Jan. 24.
Lazio could be ordered to play its next Europa League home match in an empty stadium. It faces Borussia Moenchengladbach in the last 32, with the second leg in Rome on Feb. 21.
UEFA has already fined the Italian club (euro)40,000 ($52,300) for its fans’ racist behaviour when it played Tottenham in London in September.
UEFA acted on the second incident after receiving reports from the English Football Association and the European fans’ network FARE, which sends monitors to high-risk games.
The return leg, which ended 0-0, was played amid tension after violent attacks on Tottenham fans in a bar in central Rome.
UEFA said that Lazio faces a range of charges, including fans throwing missiles and fireworks. The team also arrived late at the stadium for the match and submitted its team sheet late.
Tottenham also faces charges “related to crowd disturbances” in Rome, UEFA said.
Tottenham has also advanced to the last 32 and will play Lyon, with the first leg at home on Feb. 14.