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City to play CSKA Moscow behind closed doors

CSKA Moscow fans clashed with police in Rome © Getty Images

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Manchester City will play their Champions League clash at CSKA Moscow behind closed doors after the Russian club were punished by UEFA for racist behaviour of fans.

CSKA have been ordered to play their next three home European matches in an empty stadium - including against City on October 21 - while UEFA has also banned them from selling tickets to supporters for the return fixture at the Etihad Stadium on November 5.

The Russian champions have also been fined €200,000 (£156,000).

It follows the fans' conduct in the Champions League defeat by Roma, which led to CSKA being charged with racist behaviour by UEFA for the third time in a year.

CSKA were also charged by UEFA with crowd disturbances after clashes with police forced the game to to be halted for several minutes during Roma's 5-1 win.

Flares were thrown onto the pitch, scuffles broke out in the stands and a banner containing a racial slur was also unfurled.

UEFA said in a statement: "CSKA Moscow has been ordered to play its next three UEFA competition matches as host club behind closed doors. The Russian team has also been fined €200,000.

"In addition, CSKA Moscow is banned from selling tickets to its supporters for the next UEFA Champions League 2014-2015 group stage competition matches which the club will play as the visiting team.''

CSKA have already been punished twice over incidents of racism by UEFA in the past year.

Last year's Champions League clash against City at the Khimki Arena was overshadowed by racist chanting aimed at Yaya Toure.

They were hit with a partial stadium closure but a repeat offence led to Tuesday's game against Bayern Munich being played behind closed doors.

City manager Manuel Pellegrini said: "My personal thinking is football should always be with fans. I don't think it is good to play in an empty stadium, not good for anyone.

"I understand a local team have a little [problem] with their fans but all the people deserve to go to the stadium. I don't know what will happen.''

A stadium closure could have implications for City supporters planning to travel, but the club themselves have not sold any tickets or official packages for the fixture.

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