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UEFA sanctions Hungary, Slovakia, Romania for racism

Hungarian fans set off flares
Hungarian fans set off flares

Hungary and Slovakia will play their next Euro 2020 qualifiers behind closed doors after both national federations were sanctioned by UEFA for racist behaviour by their supporters.

Riot police were called into action in Budapest after trouble erupted in the stands during the Euro 2020 Group D qualifier between the teams on 9 September, which Slovakia won 2-1.

In addition to the racism charge, the Hungarian federation was also sanctioned for their fans throwing objects and setting off fireworks and was fined €67,125. Slovakia's federation was fined €20,000.

Slovakia's next UEFA match is a Euro 2020 qualifier at home to Wales on 10 October while Hungary's qualifier against visiting Azerbaijan on 13 October will also be played behind closed doors.

Slovakia and Hungary both have nine points from five games, one point behind Croatia and three ahead of Wales.

The Romanian Football Federation was fined €83,000 and ordered to play its next two games behind closed doors for failing to control fans in Group F games with Spain and Malta.

Romania was sanctioned for pitch invasions, setting off fireworks, throwing objects and racist behaviour by their supporters, including offensive banners and chants.

Romania's next home game is against Norway on 15 October but UEFA said in a statement that the punishment related to the second match was suspended for one year.

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