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Bucharest team handed loss, fine after fans riot

NYON, Switzerland -- UEFA's disciplinary panel imposed a 3-0 loss to Dinamo Bucharest after rioting fans forced a Europa League match to be abandoned.

The UEFA panel ruled Tuesday the Romanian club must play its next two home matches in European competition in an empty stadium.

Dinamo trailed Czech opponent Slovan Liberec 2-0 in the first leg of a Europa League playoff round Thursday when home fans tried to invade the pitch in the 88th minute.

The referee ended the match, fearing for the players' safety. Police and security officers prevented the rioters from advancing beyond a track neart the field.

UEFA, the governing body of European soccer, also fined Dinamo $72,000. A third closed-door match may be ordered if crowd problems occur in the next two years.