Pellegrini says CSKA got what they deserved for racist taunts

Manuel Pellegrini’s comments crnked up the stakes ahead of Manchester City’s Champions League grudge game, as he criticised CSKA for denying the chants had happened, Express.co.uk reported.


But last night CSKA manager Leonid Slutsky was still insisting officials of the Russian club had not heard any racist behaviour in the first game between the clubs in Moscow a fortnight ago, even though television pictures and sound provided clear evidence.


Slutsky inflamed the row by claiming that there had been an “over-reaction” and the affair had been “exaggerated”.
UEFA found CSKA guilty and ordered a partial closure of their Khimki Arena for the visit of Bayern Munich later this month as well as issuing a fine.


Pellegrini added that any repeat of the behaviour will further damage Russia’s reputation as they prepare to stage the World Cup in 2018.

“The fans of CSKA made an important mistake,” said Pellegrini. “I don’t know why the club denied it at the beginning or what their reaction is now, but UEFA acted and gave them the punishment they deserved.


“I hope we can leave it in the past. The Russian fans should remember they have a World Cup coming up.”


A CSKA official tried to block questions about the incident in their pre-match pressconference last night. But Slutsky said: “We ourselves didn’t hear any racist slurs so it’s difficult to comment.


“We think the situation has been very exaggerated and there was an over-reaction. We received our punishment and it was up to UEFA to discuss this situation and make the decision and we accept it.


“What I can say is that the club is categorically against racism. In our team we have black players and we love them and give them support.”


Asked if CSKA would make a personal apology to Toure, he replied: “I think we have discussed this matter enough already.”
CSKA captain Sergei Ignashevich was more diplomatic, saying: “We are sorry that such an unpleasant incident took place.”


Pellegrini said he would not offer Toure any special advice on dealing with any repeat of the abuse, adding: “Yaya is an experienced player. Maybe he can’t forget what happened inRussia but this is a special match for him, not because of that but because Manchester City can go to the next stage of the Champions League.”