Juve lose stadium ban appeal

Juventus' Serie A clash against Atalanta on Sunday will be played behind closed doors after the club lost an appeal to overturn a one-match stadium ban.

The Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) upheld the Italian Football League's earlier verdict that Juventus were guilty of failing to react to a section of their fans who directed racist abuse towards Inter striker Mario Balotelli in a league meeting last month.

"The High Court of the CONI has denied Juventus their appeal with regards to the sentence by the sporting authorities which declared the Stadio Olimpico should be closed to supporters for one match," read a statement from Juve.

"The Bianconeri will therefore play the first of their two remaining home matches, the one against Atalanta, without their supporters."

Source: Sporting Life