
File photo: Atletico Madrid fans wave their scarves and flags during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Atletico Madrid and Athletic Bilbao at Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Spain, Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021. AP
The fan was filmed making a Nazi-style gesture during Atletico's 1-0 loss at City in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal last Tuesday.
UEFA said last Friday it charged the Spanish club with ``discriminatory behavior.''
On Monday, the next working day, the closure was announced by its appeals body.
The fast-tracked process ensured Atletico serves the sanction in an equally high-profile game against the same opponent, rather than potentially waiting until next season for a group-stage game in a lower-tier competition. Atletico is fourth in La Liga, just one point ahead of the Europa League qualifying place.
The club must close a section of at least 5,000 seats at Metropolitano Stadium for the second leg and display a UEFA banner there saying ``(hash)NoToRacism.''
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