UEFA punishes Steaua Bucharest for racist behaviour for 3rd time this season

Steaua Bucharest are set to play even more European home matches in an empty National Arena, as UEFA have punished the club for racist behaviour by their supporters for the third time this season.

Specifically, Steaua have been ordered to play their next two UEFA competition matches as host club behind closed doors after being charged for unveiling a racist banner, setting off fireworks and using laser pointers during their 2-0 loss to Dynamo Kiev on Dec. 11. The Romanian club have also been fined €20,000 for the latter two violations.

The first instance of racist behaviour from Steaua supporters came during the qualifying round of the Champions League against Norweigan club Stromsgodset, while the second incident occurred during a Champions League playoff versus Ludogorets Razgrad and saw Steaua fined €64,500 for racism and other offences.

Should Steaua win the Romanian league, which they currently lead by seven points, they will enter the second qualifying round of the 2015-16 Champions League.

- With h/t to the Guardian