Polish champions Lech Poznan sanctioned for racist sign

Paris - Polish champions Lech Poznan will be forced to play a match behind closed doors as punishment for a racist sign at a Champions League qualifier, UEFA announced on Monday.

European football's governing body took action after the offending banner appeared among Poznan's fans in the 2-0 Champions League second qualifying round first-leg win at Bosnian club FK Sarajevo on July 14.

The club was also fined €50,000, according to UEFA's official website.

Poznan fans clashed with home supporters in Sarajevo during and after the game with 27 people, including nine police officers, wounded.

Lech Poznan -- seven-time champions of Poland -- went on to win the second qualifying round tie 3-0 on aggregate against Sarajevo.

But they face an uphill task to reach the play-offs after losing 3-1 to Swiss champions Basel in the third qualifying round first leg last week.

Should they overturn that deficit at St Jakob-Park in Switzerland on Wednesday, the Poles will be forced to play their next home European game behind closed doors.