Uefa reduces CSKA stadium ban

 
The Russian club's suspension has been shortened and their fine halved after their appeal was part-upheld by Uefa's Appeals Body

Uefa has announced it has reduced CSKA Moscow’s stadium ban on appeal to two games, suspending the final match of their original punishment for the behaviour of supporters in a recent European game.

The Russian club were initially prohibited from admitting the general public for three home games and fined €200,000 following ugly scenes at their 5-1 Champions League loss to Roma in Italy in September.

The club’s fans were found guilty of throwing flares onto the pitch and instigating fights with the home support, while there was also a banner with a racist slur being held aloft in the CSKA section.

But now Uefa’s Appeals Body has reduced the suspension and halved the fine after the Russians lobbied for leniency.

“CSKA's appeal has partially been upheld. Therefore the original decision of the Uefa Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body is modified as follows:

“CSKA have been ordered to play their next three Uefa competition matches as host club behind closed doors. The latest is suspended for a probationary period of five years.

“The Russian team has also been fined €100,000.

“CSKA remain banned from selling tickets to their fans for the next two UEFA Champions League group stage games which the club will play as the visiting side.”

The decision means that CSKA are free to open the Arena Khimki to the general public for the return Champions League Group E home match against Roma on November 25 following the closure of the stadium at the earlier fixtures against Bayern Munich and Manchester City.