UEFA reduces Dynamo Kiev sanctions

Omnisports 06:17 - 02 February 2016

___4638531___https:______static.pulse.com.gh___webservice___escenic___binary___4638531___2016___2___2___23___dynamokiev-cropped_lathodk0qsvn18xwrqjcvy4sy_2

Dynamo Kiev will be backed by their vociferous supporters after appealing against UEFA sanctions following racist behaviour and crowd disturbances.

Dynamo Kiev's Champions League last-16 clash with Manchester City later this month will no longer be held behind closed doors after UEFA lifted its ban.

The first leg of their tie on February 24 had been set to be played with no fans present after the Ukrainian champions were were fined €100,000 and ordered to play two UEFA home matches behind closed doors – with a third suspended – after charges of racist behaviour, crowd disturbances and of having blocked stairways at the Olympic Stadium against Chelsea on October 20.

However, UEFA has reduced the sanctions after Dynamo launched an appeal.

A UEFA statement read: "The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body's decision of 24 November 2015 is amended as follows:

"1. To order the Dynamo Kyiv to play one UEFA competition match as host club behind closed doors.

"As the club has already played one match behind closed doors during the UEFA Champions League 2015/2016 match FC Dynamo Kyiv vs Maccabi Tel-Aviv played on 9 December 2015, the club has already served this sanction.

"2. To fine Dynamo Kyiv € 50,000."