Roma lose Curva Sud appeal

Roma must play their first home game next season with the Curva Sud section of their stadium closed after they lost an appeal against the decision to close the stand following racist abuse aimed at Mario Balotelli. “The Court of Federal Justice has...

Roma must play their first home game next season with the Curva Sud section of their stadium closed after they lost an appeal against the decision to close the stand following racist abuse aimed at Mario Balotelli.

“The Court of Federal Justice has rejected the appeal filed by Roma and has confirmed the closure of the Curva Sud for the first home match...while also confirming a fine of 50,000 euros ($66,700),” the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) said.

Roma were handed the punishment after hardcore fans in that section of the Stadio Olimpico racially abused AC Milan striker Balotelli during their last game of the season against Napoli.

The Italian international has long been a target for Serie A crowds with fans of Juventus, Inter Milan and Roma repeat offenders.

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