Wednesday 30 October 2013

UEFA Punish CSKA Moscow Over Racist Chants on Yaya Toure




UEFA have ordered CSKA Moscow to partially close their stadium for their next Champions League game following racist chanting aimed at Manchester City's Yaya Toure.

European football's governing body ordered the measure after their disciplinary board met to discuss the allegations that section of the crowd made monkey noises in last week's match between the two teams - an accusation denied by the Russian club (HERE).

Toure, 30, reported the incident to the referee, Ovidiu Hategan, during the Champions League tie at the Arena Khimki stadium.

UEFA responded by charging the Russian club with "racist behaviour of their fans" the following day.

A seven-strong panel, headed by the Austrian Thomas Partl,met at Uefa's headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, and upheld Manchester City's complaint.

The sanction will apply to CSKA's next home match in the competition, against Bayern Munich on November 27.

CSKA had vehemently denied Toure's claims that he had been racially abused during the game.

UEFA has taken a different view following a hearing of its control and disciplinary body in Switzerland, for which City submitted evidence.

UEFA believes the punishments handed out this season marks a step up in the fight against discrimination, having been criticised for fines widely considered as inadequate in previous years.

A statement read: "The fight against racism is a high priority for UEFA.

"The European governing body has a zero-tolerance policy towards racism and discrimination on the pitch and in the stands.

"All forms of racist behaviour are considered serious offences against the disciplinary regulations and are punished with the most severe sanctions.

"Following the entry into force of the new disciplinary regulations on 1 June, the fight against racist conduct has been stepped up a level - resulting in more severe sanctions to deter any such behaviour."

Under the regulations, a second offence of racial abuse concerning spectators could result in a full stadium closure.

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