CSKA Moscow’s appeal over their three-game stadium ban for the racist behaviour of their fans will be heard by Uefa on 27 October, meaning Manchester City’s crucial match against the Russian club will still take place behind closed doors on 21 October.
This will displease Manuel Pellegrini, as the City manager has previously stated an empty stadium will not help the team as they seek a vital win after claiming only one point from the first two Group E matches.
When asked the date for CSKA’s appeal, Uefa told the Guardian: “27 October. The match [with City] will be behind closed doors.”
Earlier this month Pellegrini said: “I think we must try to win because we are better than CSKA, playing away or at home. If not then I don’t think we are a big team.”
Uefa has also banned CSKA from selling tickets to supporters for the return fixture again City at the Etihad Stadium on 5 November and fined the club €200,000 (£157,000).
CSKA were given the punishment following supporters’ conduct during the 5-1 defeat at Roma in September. After 70 minutes of the game at the Stadio Olimpico, CSKA fans let off flares and threw them in the direction of home supporters, with racist banners also unfurled.
This led to a third Uefa charge of racism in less than a year. Last season’s Champions League group match between CSKA and City at the Khimki Arena featured racist chanting aimed at Yaya Touré.
For this, CSKA had a partial stadium closure but a repeat offence when the club met Viktoria Plzen moved Uefa to order September’s Group E match against Bayern Munich to be played behind closed doors. After taking only one point from City’s opening two matches, Pellegrini’s side must beat CSKA to retain a realistic hope of qualifying for the knockout phase.
