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UEFA punishes Lokomotiv for racism with partial stadium closure

UEFA has punished Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow with a partial stadium closure after finding the club guilty of racist behavior by fans.

Lokomotiv supporters chanted anti-Albanian abuse during their club's 2-0 home win over Skenderbeu in the Europa League this month.

Russian nationalist fan groups are typically strong supporters of Serbia's claim to Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008 and is largely inhabited by ethnic Albanians.

Lokomotiv must close part of their south stand, which is usually inhabited by the club's hardcore fans, for the home game against Turkish club Besiktas next week.

The team also have to pay a €20,000 ($22,700) fine and display an anti-racism banner at the Besiktas game.