Cypriot, Croatian clubs punished for racist abuse by fans at Europa League matches
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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.
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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.