Russian soccer team punished for racist, violent fans

NYON, Switzerland -- UEFA has banned CSKA Moscow fans from attending any Champions League group matches this season because of racist and violent incidents.

CSKA was ordered to play its next three UEFA competition matches in an empty stadium by UEFA's disciplinary panel on Friday.

The Russian champion hosts Manchester City on Oct. 21 and Roma on Nov. 25 at Arena Khimki. The third closure will apply at a future match.

According to the Guardian, Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini said playing in an empty stadium is "not good for anyone."

"I understand a local team have a little [problem] with their fans but all the people deserve to go to the stadium," Pellegrini said, according to the Guardian.

UEFA also barred CSKA from selling tickets to its fans for away matches at Man City and Bayern Munich.

The punishments are for incidents during CSKA's 5-1 loss at Roma last month. Fans displayed far-right banners and fought police in the Olympic Stadium.

CSKA lost 1-0 to Bayern in an empty stadium this week because of "racist behavior" incidents last season.

UEFA has imposed an escalating series of sanctions against CSKA after giving itself tougher sanctioning powers last year.

"The fight against racist conduct has been stepped up a level - resulting in stricter penalties to deter any such behavior," UEFA said in a statement.

UEFA also fined CSKA 200,000 euros ($252,000), including additional offenses for fans lighting flares and throwing missiles.

The club can appeal.

CSKA has been charged with racist behavior by its fans at three Champions League matches in less than a year, including a home game against Man City last season.

Then, visiting captain Yaya Toure, who is black, directed the match referee to home fans making monkey noises.

CSKA and senior Russian football officials later denied the abuse happened.

UEFA then charged CSKA in December for fans displaying far-right symbols at a match at Viktoria Plzen. The stadium closure for that offense was applied when Bayern visited on Tuesday.