UEFA threatens Fenerbahce with European ban

NYON, Switzerland (AP) -UEFA has threatened Fenerbahce with expulsion from one European club competition and ordered its stadium to be closed for a Europa League last-16 match after fans launched fireworks onto the pitch from outside the ground.

UEFA had already barred fans from Fenerbahce's 1-0 home win against BATE Borisov last Thursday when the match was delayed by a firework, carried by a tiny parachute, which landed among the players.

UEFA says a similar offense by Fenerbahce fans within a two-year probationary period will trigger a ban from either the Champions League or Europa League.

UEFA says Fenerbahce fans will be excluded for a second straight Europa League match when the team hosts Viktoria Plzen in a last-16, second leg match in Istanbul on March 14.

Fenerbahce was also fined ?60,000 ($79,000).