Dinamo Zagreb have been ordered to play their next home European fixture behind closed doors as punishment for the racist behaviour displayed by their fans during the recent Europa League encounter with Benfica on 7 March.
The Croatian champions, who won the first leg on home soil 1-0 but were knocked out of the competition following a heavy 3-0 defeat to the Portugese side in the return leg, have also been handed a €20,000 fine by UEFA, while an order to play a second game behind closed doors was deferred for a probationary period of two years.
Zagreb were fined an additional €47,000 after fans set off fireworks, blocked stairways and threw objects during the clash at the Stadion Maksimir.
Uefa orders Dinamo Zagreb "to play their next 2 Uefa matches as a host club behind closed doors" plus €20,000 fine "for the racist behaviour of its supporters" (in tie with Benfica). Second match "deferred for a probationary period of 2 years".
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) April 1, 2019
This isn't the first issue involving the Europa League to rear its head recently, as Dynamo Kiev were forced to close part of their stadium after a selection of supporters invaded the field of play during their match between Olympiakos in February. UEFA also said that fans set off fireworks and threw missiles.
Premier League Chelsea have been fined €13,000 over the conduct of their supporters during February's 5-0 win over Malmo. The Swedish club were also issued with a €58,000 fine after their fans threw objects and set off fireworks throughout their round-of-32 tie earlier this year.
