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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 1:46 a.m., Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Soccer: Team given two-game home ban for racism

Associated Press

NYON, Switzerland — UEFA ordered Atletico Madrid today to play its next two home Champions League games at a neutral venue because of violent and racist behavior by the club's fans during a recent match against Marseille.

The Spanish club was also fined $204,600.

"There were monkey chants against the nonwhite players throughout the game and there was also a problem with handicapped supporters who bought tickets and were not provided with adequate viewing," UEFA spokesman William Gaillard told Britain's Sky Sports News.

"There were really a number of serious problems."

Gaillard added that black journalists were insulted by fans who broke into the press area.

"All these offenses amount to a tremendous disregard for our respect policy," he said, adding that UEFA enforces "zero tolerance for violent and racist behavior."

Atletico will have to play its matches against Liverpool and PSV Eindhoven on Oct. 22 and Nov. 26 at a venue at least 186 miles from Madrid, UEFA said.

European football's governing body said it will impose a third home match ban if there is a repeat in the next five years of the crowd trouble seen during Atletico's 2-1 Champions League victory over Marseille earlier this month.

Atletico coach Javier Aguirre was banned from the home and away matches against Liverpool because of improper conduct during the match. He'll be banned from the sidelines, the tunnel and the dressing room, and is forbidden from communicating with his team during those two games.

UEFA said Atletico has until midday Friday to appeal the ban.