UEFA punishes Bulgaria, Romania

NYON, Switzerland (AP):

Bulgaria will have to close part of its national stadium for European Championship qualifiers against England and the Czech Republic because of fan racism.

UEFA issued the order, saying Bulgarian fans were racially abusive during a 2-1 loss to the Czech Republic and a 3-2 loss to Kosovo last month.

Bulgaria host England on October 14 and the Czech Republic on November 17.

Romania have also been ordered to close part of their home stadium for a future under-21 game after UEFA ruled that their fans behaved in a racist manner during the European under-21 championship last month.

Another racism case against Latvia was dropped.

UEFA also handed out various fines to Romania, Ukraine, and Greece for rowdy behaviour by fans.