Juventus, Lazio sanctioned for fan racism

Lazio fans have held up controversial banners before, such as this one earlier this season.

Andrew Medichini/AP

MILAN (AP) -- Lazio has lost its appeal to UEFA over fan racism sanctions and was hit with another fine Monday by the Italian league for supporters targeting the European federation's president Michel Platini with an offensive banner.

UEFA rejected Lazio's appeal over its two-match home supporter ban and $52,000 fine handed out last month, which prompted the Roman club's supporters to hold aloft a banner insulting Platini during Sunday's Serie A match with Fiorentina.

Serie A fined Lazio $13,000 for the banner.

Lazio will defend a 2-0 first-leg lead against Stuttgart without any fans at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday in the Europa League.

The Italian league also fined Juventus $5,000 after its supporters targeted AC Milan forward Mario Balotelli with racist chants during a win Sunday over Catania.

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