Uefa will not take action against CSKA Moscow after a small section of fans watched their closed-door Champions League game against Manchester City.
The governing body decreed that no rules had been broken, despite a small crowd attending the game.
CSKA were forced to play three of their games behind closed-doors after racial unrest amongst fans, the most recent being the far-right banners displayed during a game with Roma.
However, an estimated 650 people attended the 2-2 draw, with many in club colours and cheering for the home side throughout the tie, enraging captain Vincent Kompany.
Uefa said in a statement: “Following yesterday’s match between CSKA Moscow and Manchester City, Uefa has reviewed the officials’ reports and found no breach of the conditions related to a match played behind closed doors that make part of the disciplinary decision.
“However, Uefa is reviewing the behind-closed-doors policy to see if alternative solutions could be implemented in the future.”
It has been reported that City will express official disappointment at Uefa’s decision to take no action, and will ask that the fine paid by CSKA be used to reimburse Blues fans who lost money on the cancelled trip.
City’s draw leaves their hopes of qualification for the knockout stages in dire straits, after defeat in Munich and a home draw with Roma sees them sit third in the group with just two points.
The Manchester side will welcome CSKA Moscow for their home tie on Wednesday November 5, before hosting Bayern Munich and then travelling to Rome for their final group game.
Imahe courtesy of Ahmad Zamri Ahmad Zahir, with thanks
