City fans urged to boo UEFA anthem

04 November 2014 05:16

A Manchester City supporters group is urging fellow fans to show their frustration with UEFA prior to Wednesday's Champions League tie against CSKA Moscow.

The 1894 Group is backing a suggestion from a fan that supporters turn their backs and boo when the competition's anthem is played prior to the game at the Etihad Stadium.

The group believes City fans were treated badly by the European governing body after the club's game against CSKA in the Russian capital a fortnight ago was ordered to be played behind closed doors.

CSKA were hit with that sanction for the racist behaviour of their own supporters, but it was announced after many City fans had already made travel plans for the game on October 21.

Those people were consequently refused entry to the Khimki Arena and their frustration was compounded when they discovered around 300 CSKA fans had gained admission. It is thought they obtained media passes or tickets from sponsors' allocations.

UEFA deemed that nothing untoward occurred, but the 1894 Group was not satisfied with that explanation, particularly as out-of-pocket City fans were not to be compensated, and wants to show its disapproval.

Alberto Mombelli, of the 1894 Group, said: "A lot of Man City fans travelled to Moscow for a match that was then played behind closed doors.

"We really don't feel UEFA treated these fans very well. They spent a lot of money on flights, visas and accommodation. Then there was double disappointment that hundreds of Moscow fans were inside the stadium.

"Some fans then planned to watch the game from an office building near the ground but the police closed the building. We feel City fans paid the highest price.

"We feel UEFA just care about sponsorships and money, instead of the fans.

"Now for the match on Wednesday, we're supporting the idea of City fans booing and turning their backs on the Champions League anthem."

City's fans have been backed by supporters of Bayern Munich who experienced similar issues when their match in Moscow in September was also played behind closed doors. The protest is therefore set to be repeated when City face the Germans later this month.

City are hoping to be roared on by a full house for what will be a crucial Group E match against CSKA. No away fans will be permitted as CSKA, as another part of their latest punishment, were banned from selling tickets.

City's attendance for their last home Group E match against Roma was around 10,000 below capacity - prompting some derision - but a 'buy one, get one free' offer this time may have helped fill all available seats.

Manager Manuel Pellegrini believes supporters have a key role to play.

He said: "It's very important because I think always the players feel the atmosphere in the stadium.

"I think our fans will be behind our team because we can continue in the Champions League and it will be easier (to do that) if we win (on Wednesday).

"Always, I say when we win a game here it is because everyone does their job - the manager, the players and the fans."

Source: PA