Uefa has ordered the partial closure of the Santiago Bernabeu for one match following racist behaviour by Real Madrid fans during the 1-0 Champions League win over Bayern Munich in April.

The Spanish giants recorded a narrow win over the Bundesliga giants that eventually set them on their way to Champions League glory, but part of their stadium will be shut down for their next home game in European competitions following incidents that took place during the game.

"The Uefa Control and Disciplinary Body has handed down sanctions to Real Madrid following incidents during their Champions League semi-final first leg against Bayern Munichen in the Spanish capital on 23 April," an official statement reads.

"Following the charge of racist behaviour by Real Madrid supporters during the match (Article 14 of the Uefa Disciplinary Regulations), the Control and Disciplinary Body has ordered the partial closure of the Santiago Bernabeu for one match. More specifically, sectors 120 and 122 of the stadium will be closed for the club's next Uefa competition home game.

"Real Madrid are obliged to display a banner with the wording 'No to Racism' in those sectors."

The fight against racism is a high priority for Uefa and European football's governing body has a zero-tolerance policy towards racism and discrimination, both on the pitch and in the stands.

All forms of racist behaviour are considered serious offences against the disciplinary regulations and are severely punished.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3277/la-liga/2014/05/30/4849831/real-madrid-hit-with-partial-stadium-closure-following

Real Madrid are planning on appealing the closure of two sectors of the stadium due to the displaying of a flag containing racist content during the semifinal of the Champions League against Bayern Munich.

The Whites feel the sanction is unjust because the referee, Howard Webb, did not deem the banner, or anything else for that matter, to be racist. Madrid feel the punishment is unjust, given there had been no denouncement. Real Madrid themselves found out about the proposed sanction a few days ago, and it is believed that a Spanish flag sporting the club's badge and a nazi symbol was displayed.

Madrid will have to close part of one of the stands, with the punishment not as severe as it might be owing to the fact it is the first time the club have been found guilty of such an incident. Should the club's fans reoffend, there will be fines and the possibility of matches being played behind closed doors for the Whites.

http://as.com/diarioas/2014/05/30/english/1401459610_769009.html

Real Madrid assistant manager, Zinedine Zidane stole the show at Sunday afternoon’s Corazón Classic charity match against the Inter Milan legends and following the match, the former French international revealed what could be the biggest transfer news to come out of Real Madrid this summer, that he was staying with the club.

In his post-match interview with La Sexta, Zidane stated that he will remain as manager Carlo Ancelotti’s right hand man, despite offers to command his own side from his former club, Bordeaux.

“For the moment, I’m here. I will continue here at Real Madrid. We’ll see what happens…

“I’m enjoying the experience [of managing]. It’s like playing, but I’m enjoying.”

For his part, Bordeaux president, Jean-Louis Triaud admitted that there were negotiations, but Zidane chose to spend another year working under Ancelotti.

“I won’t deny that we had numerous contacts, but unfortunately, we couldn’t reach an agreement. He is committed to Real Madrid and we can’t forget that his family is very comfortable after living there for 11 years.”

http://www.insidespanishfootball.com/111668/zidane-im-staying-at-real-madrid/

Doc wrote:Pink? Really? F this metro nonsense, what does the colour pink have to do with Real Madrid C.F?!