Two Europa League clubs punished for racist abuse

Nyon: 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 November 7.

APOEL were also fined 45,000 euros ($61,500) for a range of charges including offensive banners, throwing fireworks and late kickoffs for both halves of their 3-0 loss to Eintracht Frankfurt on October 3.

UEFA says Rijeka's stadium will be partially closed when they host Lyon on November 7.

Rijeka were also charged over fans' offensive banners at a 1-1 draw against Real Betis on October 3. The club was fined 8,000 euros ($11,000).

UEFA agreed on new rules in May to ensure faster prosecutions and tougher sanctions for discrimination inside stadiums.