Feyenoord to Play Match Without Fans After Racist Incident in UEFA Europa League

Eredivisie side Feyenoord have been ordered to play their next European match without any supporters in attendance as punishment for a racist incident that occurred in a Europa League match against Roma in February.

News of the UEFA sanctions were reported on Friday by Rob Harris of the Associated Press:

According to the Associated Press (h/t Fox Sports) the Dutch side have also been fined €50,000 in relation to the aforementioned episode. In a separate charge, the club have been issued with another €50,000 sanction after fireworks and other objects were thrown by fans during the game.

The piece suggests that if any similar incidents occur in the next two years, Feyenoord will have to play another match behind closed doors.

Peter McVitie of Goal.com outlined what particular incident the racism charge is in relation to:

Roma progressed in the tie 3-2 on aggregate, winning 2-1 at the Stadion Feijenoord in the second leg on a dramatic night in Rotterdam.

Ermindo Armino/Associated Press

As noted by Goal.com, trouble flared between the two sets of supporters in Rome ahead of the first leg; in Feyenoord, play had to be suspended because of fan trouble after Mitchell te Vrede was sent off for the hosts.