CSKA appeal UEFA sanctions after fans found guilty of racist behavior
CSKA Moscow have appealed UEFA's decision to make them play their next three European home matches behind closed doors, one of which is against Manchester City on October 21.
The Russian club were fined â¬200,000 in addition to the stadium closures after their fans were found guilty, for the third time in 12 months, of racist behavior during a 5-1 defeat to Roma.
UEFA found the CSKA fans guilty of a series of offenses including "racist behavior of supporters, crowd disturbance, setting off/throwing of fireworks and missiles" during the match on September 17.
The traveling supporters threw flares towards the Roma fans and tried to enter home fans' section of the Stadio Olimpico, which led to clashes that left 13 stewards and four police officers injured.
In addition, CSKA fans will be barred from attending their next two Champions League away games at Manchester City and Bayern Munich.
CSKA general manager Roman Babaev confirmed the club has issued an appeal against the punishments handed out by UEFA's Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body.
"We've sent an appeal to the UEFA board of appeal," said Babayev.
"In case they dismiss our appeal we're ready to address our complaint to the Court of Arbitration for Sports in Lausanne."
