Football governing body UEFA are waiting for the match officials report before speaking about alleged racism aimed at Manchester City’s Yaya Toure during City’s Champions’ League group match against CSKA Moscow in the Russian capital Tuesday night.
City captain Toure was targeted by CSKA fans that were making monkey chants towards the Ivorian international.
Manchester City went on to win the match 2-1, but will make an official complaint to UEFA over the racial abuse their player had to withstand.
UEFA told Sky Sports News: “We are awaiting the reports from the match which should land at some point today or tomorrow.
“Once received, the contents will determine whether a disciplinary case will be opened. Should this be the case, we will communicate accordingly.”
UEFA REGULATIONS
SANCTIONS FOR RACIST BEHAVIOUR
First offence: Minimum of partial stadium closure.
Second offence: One match behind closed doors and a fine of £42,5000.
Third offence: More than one match behind closed doors, stadium closure, deduction of points or disqualification.
Toure spoke to match officials following the game, and City will file an official complaint from Manchester.
Toure told Sky Sports: “I told the ref. I think it was unbelievable and very sad. We want to stop that.
“I think UEFA have to do a lot to try to stop it. Maybe close the stadium for a couple of games. As an African player, it is always sad when you hear something like that.
“For me, as captain, I was wearing an armband which said ‘no to racism’ and I was totally disappointed.
“It’s stupid these people. I don’t know, it just happens in football. It’s unbelievable. They’re stupid, they’re just stupid. UEFA has to take action to right it otherwise I think they will just continue.”
City manager Manuel Pellegrini added: “It’s a pity and I hope we have the right measures.”
It is hard to imagine that Russia will be holding the World Cup in five years’ time, which has led to FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce calling on the Russian authorities to clamp down on racism.
“The Russian federation has got to assure – along with the Russian government – that these incidents are put to bed because it’s happening too often. Too much abuse has been happening in many, many parts of eastern Europe,” he said.
“Eastern Europe has problems, but we have problems in other parts of the world as well. It’s got to be eradicated and the only way is to take serious action against the people who do it – don’t allow them to watch football matches.
“I am absolutely appalled by events of this evening. I’ve always been outspoken against any form of racialism or sectarianism in sport.”
