Lazio could feel the backlash from last night’s incidents of racism which blighted England’s 6-0 win over Bulgaria in Sofia.
Twice during the first half play was stopped due to racist abuse of England players with Public Address announcements warning that the match would be stopped if they continued.
One group of around 50 Bulgarians left at half time but isolated noises could be heard during the second half with the English media ensuring that the issue was highlighted with pressure put on UEFA to do more than hand out token fines or close off 5,000 seats in a half empty stadium.
Sky News headlined one article: UEFA is facing pressure to punish “abhorrent” racist abuse aimed at England’s footballers during their Euro 2020 qualifier in Bulgaria.
Yesterday UEFA held a disciplinary hearing into racist behaviour during Lazio’s 2-1 win over Rennes in the Europa League with the Italian side serial offenders on the issue.
A statement on the punishment is expected later today with another fine or partial closure of the Stadio Olympico likely to be followed by claims that UEFA aren’t treating the issue seriously enough.
Lazio have already given Celtic an allocation of 9,000 tickets for the game but with just over three weeks to go until the game is played there is no guarantee that any fans will be allowed inside the stadium to watch the match.