No Uefa action over CSKA fans at Manchester City tie

Around 350 people attended Champions League match when Moscow side were serving stadium ban

The   Manchester City  and PFC CSKA Moscow squads  line up ahead of the Uefa Champions League Group E draw  at the Arena Khimki Stadium. Photograph:  Epsilon/Getty Images
The Manchester City and PFC CSKA Moscow squads line up ahead of the Uefa Champions League Group E draw at the Arena Khimki Stadium. Photograph: Epsilon/Getty Images

Uefa has confirmed it will take no action against CSKA Moscow despite the presence of supporters in the stadium for the Champions League tie against Manchester City on Tuesday night.

The Russian side were ordered to play three European matches behind closed doors after the misconduct of supporters including repeated racism offences. Yet at the Arena Khimki around 350 people were spotted wearing CSKA colours and cheering the team on.

City made an offical complaint to Uefa, while captain Vincent Kompany hit out at the governing body for banning away fans from the game as well.

However, a statement from Uefa on Wednesday confirmed that no action will be taken.

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“Following yesterday’s Champions League game between CSKA Moskva and Manchester City, Uefa has reviewed the officials’ reports and found no breach of the conditions related to a match played behind-closed-doors,” said the statement.

“Only people who were allowed to enter the stadium – clubs delegations, media, security staff, Uefa and guests of sponsorship partners – attended the match with no record of inappropriate behaviour.

“However, Uefa is reviewing the ‘behind-closed-doors’ policy to see if alternative solutions could be implemented in the future.”

Among the potential changes being considered by Uefa president Michel Platini is to allow only women and children into matches rather than completely closing stadiums as punishment for supporters' racist abuse.

“The president is always looking at ways we could improve our rules and regulations,” said the Uefa chief of press Pedro Pinto. “Just yesterday we discussed the possibility of inviting women and children for free instead of closing the stadium completely.”