UEFA closes Hajduk Split stadium due to fans’ racist chants

Hajduk Split supporters throw flares onto the pitch during a Europa League group match in 2010. (Geert Vanden Wijngaert/AP)

NYON, Switzerland — UEFA has ordered Hajduk Split to play its next Europa League home game in an empty stadium as punishment for racist chants by fans.

UEFA says its disciplinary panel also fined the Croatian club 50,000 euros ($58,000).

Hajduk will serve the ban when it hosts Brondby on Aug. 3 in the second leg.

The racist behaviour was identified during Hajduk’s 1-0 win over Levski Sofia in the second qualifying round last week.

UEFA says it also fined Hajduk 5,000 euros ($5,800) for fans throwing objects at the game.

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