CSKA Moscow to have part of ground closed over racist chants aimed at Yaya Toure

UEFA will close one section of CSKA Moscow's ground for their Champions League match against Bayern Munich on 27 November due to the racist behaviour of their fans.

The Russian side were charged after their supporters were accused of racist chanting aimed at Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure on 23 October.

The Ivory Coast international complained during and after the match about the racist abuse but CSKA have disputed the accuracy of his claims.

However, UEFA have decided to sanction the club following a hearing of its control and disciplinary body in Switzerland.

The governing body have previously been criticised for only issuing fines in such cases and have stressed that the partial closure of grounds represents a step forward in the battle against discrimination.

Full closure the next step

"The fight against racism is a high priority for UEFA," said a statement.

"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."

If CSKA Moscow are found guilty of a second offence of racial abuse by their supporters they could be punished with a full stadium closure.

Toure complained to referee Ovidiu Hategan when he felt he was abused early in the second half of last week's match but there seemed to be further incidents of monkey chanting when he was in possession later on in the contest.

Formal complaint made

CSKA said Toure's claims were "unfounded" but City made a formal complaint to UEFA the following day, which they subsequently backed up with witness statements.

And a distressed Toure has raised the possibility of players boycotting the 2018 World Cup in Russia if the racism problem is not addressed.

UEFA have yet to reveal the outcome of their investigation into why referee Hategan did not follow correct procedure in the event of a player complaining about racial abuse.

Officials are supposed to report such a complaint to the stadium safety officer so a public announcement can be made asking fans to desist.

Culled from Skysports