Italian club S.S. Lazio has been handed down a £32,500 fine for improper conduct by UEFA. The fine responds to their supporters' behavior of their away support during a Europa League game at Tottenham last month.
The Lazio supporters chanted loud monkey noises, aimed at black players including Jermain Defoe, Aaron Lennon, and Andros Townsend. UEFA's Control and Disciplinary Body gave the decision today, giving Lazio up to three days to appeal against the fine if the club believe the panel's findings are unjustified.
The sanctions come in the wake of another incident of racism, as Tottenham loanee Danny Rose was racially abused in an away England U-21 in Serbia. Andre Villas-Boas has given his support to Rose, saying:
"It's extremely difficult for Danny. He was disappointed by that happening, by the situation which he had to live with, the atmosphere he was confronted with."
"I told Daniel I support him completely in this situation. He felt abused and this is obviously a serious matter which at the moment is in the hands of both FAs."
UEFA's sanctions to do well to continue a precedent of teams being responsible for the behavior of their supporters. With Tottenham still to travel to Lazio for the Europa League, one will have to be concerned with the reception the Tottenham players will receive.