Lazio have confirmed that they will appeal UEFA's two-game punishment for the alleged behaviour of their fans in a recent Europa League tie with Borussia Monchengladbach.
The Italian club have been ordered to play their next two European home matches behind closed doors following allegations of racist chanting from supporters at the Stadio Olimpico last Thursday.
"We cannot as a club be penalised for the mistakes of a small minority, we will lodge an appeal," Lazio president Claudio Lotito told RaiSport.
"It seems absurd to me that we have to play behind closed doors, which will seriously damage the club economically and stop the fans from participating in this event.
"We must distinguish between the delinquents who act on their own volition and those fans who express themselves in a civilised fashion."
Lazio have already been sanctioned twice this season for similar incidents against Tottenham Hotspur and Maribor.
Jack Prescott
