UEFA reject Lazio appeal

Lazio will be forced to play their next two European matches behind closed doors after the Italian club had an appeal rejected by UEFA.

The Serie A outfit received the ban due to the behaviour of some supporters in their 2-0 win over German side Borussia Monchengladbach in the previous round of the Europa League.

It is understood that UEFA cited racist behaviour and the setting off of smokebombs as reasons for the stadium ban, but Lazio felt that the punishment was excessive.

The second leg of their last-16 Europa League clash against Stuttgart, where they lead 2-0 from the first leg, will be played in an empty stadium this week.