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Legia Warsaw stadium ban appeal rejected by UEFA

Legia Warsaw will host their Champions League game against Real Madrid behind closed doors after UEFA rejected the Polish club's appeal against a stadium ban.

Warsaw were originally charged with six offences after crowd trouble marred the Champions League game against Borussia Dortmund in September.

The match ended with a thumping 6-0 scoreline for the German visitors, but the disappointment of defeat was compounded by the disgraceful scenes at the Polish Army Stadium.

A small but organised minority in the 28,000-strong crowd tried to attack the away fans, covering their faces and using pepper spray against security staff.

The charges against Legia related to crowd disturbances, fireworks, throwing objects, insufficient organisation and blocking stairways.

A charge of racist behaviour was dropped after a meeting of UEFA's control, ethics and disciplinary committee in September, but their original decision to dish out a stadium ban has been upheld.

"The appeal lodged by Legia Warsaw has been dismissed," UEFA said in a statement. "Consequently, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body's decision of 28 September 2016 is confirmed.

"The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body [CEDB] had ordered Legia Warsaw to play its next UEFA competition match as host club behind closed doors. The club has also been fined €80,000."

Legia Warsaw are bottom of Group F, without a point from two games, and head to Real Madrid next Tuesday before the return clash in Poland on Nov. 2.