Metz docked a point over racist incident

PARIS (Reuters) - Ligue 1 bottom club Metz will be docked a point and must play a home match behind closed doors after a racist incident there last month, the French Professional Football League (LFP) said on Thursday.

Morocco defender Abdeslam Ouaddou, the Valenciennes captain, was racially abused by a Metz fan during the Ligue 1 match at Metz on Feb. 16.

Metz said they would seek legal counsel over the League's decision.

"We are surprised by the harshness of the sanction," they said on their Web site (www.fcmetz.com).

"In the coming days, we will talk with our lawyers in order to find the best way to respond to this decision."

Metz now have 17 points from 30 matches and trail 17th placed Racing Lens, who are just above safety, by 17 points.

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