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Uefa to rule on CSKA Moscow racism charge tomorrow

Manchester City’s Yaya Toure claimed he was subjected to monkey chants last week

Manchester City’s Yaya Toure in action against CSKA Moscow last week
Manchester City’s Yaya Toure in action against CSKA Moscow last week
Tue Oct 29 2013 - 15:55

Uefa's disciplinary board will meet on Wednesday to discuss whether CSKA Moscow's stadium should be partially closed for their next Champions League game because of alleged racist chanting towards Yaya Toure.

Last Wednesday, during Manchester City’s 2-1 win in the Russian capital, midfielder Toure claimed he was the target of monkey-chanting from the home fans inside the Khimki Arena.

The 30-year-old reported the incident to referee Ovidiu Hategan during the Champions League tie, and Uefa responded by charging the Russian club with “racist behaviour of their fans” the following day.

A seven-strong panel, headed by Austrian chair Dr Thomas Partl, will meet at Uefa’s headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, on Wednesday afternoon to decide whether Toure was abused.

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The hearing, which is held in private, will look at documentary evidence submitted by both sides. Neither Toure nor any representatives from the two clubs involved will be present.

It is understood that City have been busy compiling evidence from independent observers who were at the game to support their case.

A written submission from Toure and any City player who heard the alleged chanting is also likely to form part of the evidence submitted.

The panel will read further evidence detailed in the report of Uefa’s match delegate.

Last season Uefa agreed to implement hardline punishments on racism after years of criticism surrounding their handling of the matter.

Under the new rules, CSKA will be forced to close part of their stadium for their next Champions League home game against Bayern Munich on November 27 if found guilty. They also face an additional punishment in the form of a €50,000 fine.

Toure said he was “furious” at the alleged abuse, which he reported to the referee 10 minutes into the second half.

The Ivory Coast midfielder said: “Uefa has to take action because players with the same colour of skin will always be in the same position.

“Maybe they could ban the stadium, I don’t know, for a couple of years or a couple of months.

“We have to be as strong as possible otherwise they will continue like that. Too much is too much. We have to stop it now.”