2 Europa League clubs punished for racist abuse

NYON, Switzerland (AP) — UEFA has punished Cypriot club APOEL Nicosia and Croatian club HNK Rijeka for racist behavior by fans at Europa League matches.

UEFA says a section of APOEL’s stadium will be closed when it hosts Bordeaux on Nov. 7.

APOEL was also fined $61,500 for a range of charges including offensive banners, throwing fireworks and late kickoffs for both halves of its 3-0 loss to Eintracht Frankfurt on Oct. 3.

UEFA says Rijeka’s stadium will be partially closed when it hosts Lyon on Nov. 7.

Rijeka was also charged over fans’ offensive banners at a 1-1 tie against Real Betis on Oct. 3. The club was fined $11,000.

UEFA agreed on new rules in May to ensure faster prosecutions and tougher sanctions for discrimination inside stadiums.