<
>

UEFA opens investigation into Lazio fans' alleged racist behaviour

UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Lazio after alleged "racist behaviour" from their fans disrupted a Europa League meeting with Sparta Prague.

The Serie A side were playing the Czech Republic outfit on Thursday night when a section of supporters appeared to aim racist chants at Sparta's Zimbabwean defender Costa Nhamoinesu.

A statement from UEFA revealed Lazio had been cited for their "racist behaviour" and "illicit chants" in the Czech capital, and that a disciplinary body would deal with the case on March 22.

The last-16 tie, which ended 1-1 in Prague, had to be suspended during the first half as a warning was broadcast to travelling Italian fans.

Lazio have already been sanctioned for their supporters' discriminatory behaviour during Europa League games in 2013 and domestic matches have also been marred by incidents of racism.

A league meeting with Napoli was almost abandoned in February as a number of home fans aimed abuse at Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly. The club were hit with a partial stadium ban.