Lazio's appeal against Curva Nord closure rejected

ROME Aug 23 (Reuters) - Lazio's notorious Curva Nord section in Rome's Olympic Stadium will stay shut for Sunday's Serie A match against Udinese after the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) rejected the club's appeal against the one-game closure.

 Lazio were handed the punishment after fans racially abused Juventus players during last Sunday's Super Cup.

 "The Federal Court of Justice has rejected Lazio's appeal against the closure of the Curva Nord. The Serie A Sporting Judge ordered the closure of the sector after chants directed at Juventus' black players," the federation said in a statement on its website (www.figc.it).

 During Lazio's 4-0 defeat by Juve, fans were warned about racist chanting over the stadium's loudspeaker after abuse was directed at goalscorer Paul Pogba, midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah and Italian defender Angelo Ogbonna.

It was the latest in a string of incidents involving Lazio fans, who have a reputation for extreme right wing politics.

 Last season the club was forced to play two home matches behind closed doors in the Europa League after their fans racially insulted Borussia Moenchengladbach players.

 There were also violent clashes before their home match against Tottenham Hotspur when home fans engaged in anti-Semitic abuse and fascist salutes.