Racism: Spain's Anti-violence Commission has asked football authorities in the country to launch an urgent disciplinary investigation into remarks made by national coach Luis Aragones before last month's friendly against England.

Meanwhile, Lazio will have to play their next European home game behind closed doors following racist abuse by their fans and Birmingham City manager Steve Bruce has called on Aston Villa fans to give Dwight Yorke the respect he deserves.

In Spain, the Anti-Violence Commission urged Spanish Football Federation president Angel Maria Villar to set up a probe when he appeared before the body yesterday.

"The declarations were inopportune and they have to be dealt with," said commission president Rafael Blanco. "The law is the same for everyone and the Anti-violence Commission wants to condemn and combat racism by all the means within its power.

"Opening such an investigation does not mean there will necessarily be any final punishment . . . but such behaviour could be considered as serious or very serious and could carry a penalty such as being barred from a position or a heavy fine."

Aragones made the remarks when he was defending himself against accusations of racism following comments he made about France striker Thierry Henry.

Quizzed on the eve of the friendly against England, Aragones mounted a defence of his actions.

"I know who is racist," he said at the time. "I remember what happened in the (British) colonies. Who was it who were like wolves hunting down deer?"

The friendly against England was marred by racist abuse and chanting directed at visiting black players at the Bernabeu in Madrid.

Lazio's one-match ban has been imposed by UEFA "following racist abuse and crowd disturbances" during the club's UEFA Cup match against Partizan Belgrade on November 25th.

Partizan were fined €5,200 after their fans threw flares during the 2-2 draw at the Stadio Olimpico.

Real Madrid also picked up a fine - 9,789 - for racist chanting during the Champions League match with Bayer Leverkusen.

Finally, Yorke, who was a hero at Villa Park during his decade playing there, has received a torrent of abuse every time he has returned to his former club since his move to Manchester United in 1998.

That is expected to intensify given Yorke will now be wearing a Birmingham shirt.

Bruce said: "I hope Dwight is shown the respect he deserves because he did well for the Villa.

"He is going to get a bit of stick, that's normal. But as long as it is not racial or anything like that, then he's come to expect it."