Sevilla have been fined €5,000 (£4,319) for the racist behaviour of their fans during last month’s Champions League defeat away to Manchester City.
Announcing the paltry financial punishment, UEFA said that it would impose a partial closure of 1,000 seats at their Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan stadium for one game - but that is also suspended for two years.
City teenager Rico Lewis received racist abuse after scoring the equaliser in his first senior start for the club. City went on to win 3-1 with the full back, who has since turned 18, saying “I won’t forget this day for the rest of my life.”
Two fans were arrested on suspicion of aggravated public order offences, but Greater Manchester Police confirmed to Mirror Football that one fan had been given a conditional caution after admitting to the offence, while the second fan was released without charge.
Now UEFA have said that will "fine Sevilla FC €5,000 and to order the partial closure of Sevilla FC’s stadium, which shall consist of at least 1,000 seats, during the next (1) UEFA competition match it plays as host club, for the racist behaviour of its supporters."
The governing body added that the "partial stadium closure is suspended for a probationary period of two years, starting from the date of the present decision."
Following the incident a City spokesperson said: “We will not tolerate discrimination of any kind at our stadium and will be offering our full support to Rico following these vile incidents.”
Sevilla released a statement of their own after the game, vowing to ban the two fans if it was proven that they behaved in a racist manner.
Their statement read: "Sevilla FC strongly condemn the behaviour of two fans in the away section of Manchester City's stadium, who were identified and accused of allegedly behaving in a racist manner towards Manchester City player Rico Lewis.
"Sevilla FC are awaiting official confirmation of these facts, of which they have been made aware by Manchester City, and if these are proven, the two fans will be removed from the list of members."
