Roma and Inter Milan punished for racism.
Italian clubs were fined 50.000 euros each and forced to close parts of their stadiums for one game after their fans were found guilty of chanting racist or discriminatory songs.
ROME, Dec 17 (Reuters) Roma and Inter Milan were each fined 50.000 euros and forced to close parts of their stadiums for one game after their fans were found guilty of chanting racist or discriminatory slogans, Serie A reported on Tuesday.
Roma has been punished with the closure of the Curva Sud section of the Stadio Olimpico, where their most fanatical supporters usually sit, due to racist chants against Milan striker Mario Balotelli during Monday's 2-2 draw at the San Siro stadium.
A disciplinary tribunal said that Roma fans chanted "the black and reds are a team of blacks," referring to the colors of Milan's jersey, and persistently booed Balotelli whenever he touched the ball.
Inter Milan were also fined and ordered to close part of their stadium for one game because of discriminatory chants against Napoli fans during Sunday's match in the southern city.
The decision means that Inter will play Sunday's derby against rivals Milan without the support of their most enthusiastic fans.
(Reporting by Naomi O'Leary)