PFA Awards 2014

PFA Players' Player of the Year

Luis Suarez

Before the end of last season, Suarez was charged and given a 10-game suspension by the FA after he was found guilty of biting Branislav Ivanovic in a 2-2 draw against Chelsea. However, this season he has managed to change it all around and win over his fellow footballers.

Despite missing the first 6 games of this season due to suspension, Suarez is the English Premier League's leading goal scorer with 30 goals and 12 assists. Suarez has also managed to score the most goals by a Liverpool player in a premier league season.

PFA Young Player of the Year

Eden Hazard

23 year old Eden Hazard, received the most votes ahead of Daniel Sturridge and Luke Shaw who were second and third.

Hazard was signed by Chelsea from Lille in the summer of 2012. This season he has scored 13 goals and provided 7 assists.

PFA Premier League Team of the Year

Cech

Coleman Cahill Kompany Shaw

Lallana Gerrard Toure Hazard

Sturridge Suarez

It's no surprise the PFA team of the year comprises mainly of Liverpool and Chelsea footballers. They are currently number 1 & 2 on the Barclays Premier League table, and have been for a while.

3 Liverpool and 3 Chelsea footballers, 2 Manchester City, 2 Southampton and 1 Everton. Manchester United who struggled all season couldn't get a single footballer on the team. Plus, this is the first time since 1989/90 that there have been no Manchester United players in the XI. The same goes for Arsenal who unfortunately sat at the summit of the table for quite some time before descending down the table.

Relegation Zone Battle

Bottom 5

16. Aston Villa (35)

17. Sunderland (32)

18. Norwich City (32)

19. Fulham (31)

20. Cardiff City (30)

Aston Villa, Sunderland, Norwich City, Fulham and Cardiff City are in the battle for survival. Being above the relegation zone doesn't mean you're safe from relegation. Moreover, these teams have 1 or 2 points separating them. So because of that, the relegation zone battle has begun.

Yesterday, after leading Hull City 2-0, Fulham couldn't defend their 2 goal lead as they allowed Hull to score 2 late goals to claim 1 point from the meeting. Fulham could have taken 3 points but most importantly, they would have left the relegation zone.

On the one hand, Aston Villa only scored one goal in their 4-1 defeat at the hands of Swansea City.

On the other hand, Norwich City suffered a 4-0 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Today, Sunderland climbed out of the relegation zone following a 4-0 win over Cardiff City, where Juan Cala got t himself red carded. This in-turn left Cardiff dead last in the standings.

Overall, Villa remained in 16th position while Sunderland moved out of the relegation zone to 17th position, and although they are tied with Norwich on 32 points, they are above them on goal difference. Speaking of Norwich, they dropped into the relegation zone after their spot was taken by Sunderland. Below Norwich in the danger zone, sit Fulham and in last place, Cardiff.

Giggs Passes First Test

In his passionate notes Ryan Giggs said: “I’ve supported United all my life. It’s the rock which my life has been built upon and I can promise you that I will give this job the best I can in the last four games of the season.”

Giggs' Maiden XI

De Gea, Jones, Vidic (c), Ferdinand, Evra, Valencia, Carrick, Cleverley, Kagawa, Welbeck, Rooney

Subs

Lindegaard, Smalling, Mata, Chicharito, Nani, Young, Fletcher

Cleverley (Hernandez 72), Kagawa (Young 65) and Welbeck (Mata 60).

“The hardest part has been leaving players out because everyone has looked sharp this week,” said Giggs.

Check out Match Report: Manchester United 4-0 Norwich City!

Giggs was extremely impressed by how Manchester United played for his first match as interim manager after they recorded a 4-0 victory over Norwich City on Saturday.

"I was nervous, but as soon as I came out of the tunnel the reception I got, the staff got and the players got was brilliant," he told MUTV. "I've got to thank the fans for that because it’s not been an easy week, but I felt ten feet tall."

“It’s a perfect day. To score four goals & keep a clean sheet is great. Some of the performances were outstanding.”

Giggs thanked the Manchester United fans for an “amazing reception” and jokingly added: “I might retire from management now with a 100% record!”

“We looked like scoring goals and creating chances," he told Sky Sports. "In the first half, we were a little bit slow, so I just reminded the players that the tempo needed to be quicker and they reacted well to that."

“They’re all good players and all of us have let ourselves down this year. We haven’t played to the level that we’re capable of this season, but we did that today. I said yesterday that it can’t just be for one game,  it has to be for longer than that. Every time you play for Manchester United you have to stay at that level, and they have to keep to these standards against Sunderland."

When asked about his team ahead of the game against Norwich, he revealed that it was a hard decision to make.

“I didn’t sleep last night. Leaving the likes of Juan Mata out of the starting 11 was a difficult decision, it was a position I’d never been in before. I’m interim manager, but I’m also one of their team mates, so leaving them out was tough."

"I told them all individually before the game, a few of them were upset and rightly so. But they didn’t sulk; you saw the response of Juan. That’s a true professional, to not moan and come on to produce a performance like that for half an hour."

“I said before the game that I could have played two teams, because the response of the players has been brilliant, I trust them all. It was really difficult to choose the team, but Rio and Nemanja have got that experience, as well as Patrice. I wanted experience in the team, because I knew that it would be an emotionally-charged day and that we wouldn’t have it all our own way. Norwich are fighting for their lives,  I know these players and they didn’t let me down."

The victory was United's biggest home win of the season but Giggs remains focused on the remaining games: “I’m just thinking about these three games. It has taken so much out of me this week that I haven’t really thought about the future. My job now is to get ready for Sunderland. They’ve just told me that I’ve got this job for four games. It’s one down, and three to go, and as far as I’m concerned that’s where my concentration is. I’ll do the job to the best of my ability and then afterwards we will have to see what happens."

When asked about his future as a player, Giggs suggested that someday soon he will make a return to the pitch: “I haven’t had time to train this week, I haven’t had the energy. I’m going to start training on Monday, I knew that last week would be busy but I’ll be back on the pitch and I can’t wait."

ACCORDING TO THE TEAM

Patrice Evra believes Ryan Giggs is a perfect fit for the job as temporary Reds manager: “He is a natural. As a person and a player he instantly gets that respect.”

Captain Nemanja Vidic said this about Giggs’ approach, “He wants to attack. That’s how he played & he wants to transfer that to the players."

On playing under Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney says, “He's built to be a manager. We can see that in how he has handled himself since he took over.”

On Giggs, Juan Mata said, “It’s a pleasure to play for him. He’s a proper United boy.”

Sounds to me like they love playing under Giggs or better yet, the love playing for Giggs. Its only been one match but, he knows how to handle his team. He was incredible yesterday.

The Late Francesc 'Tito' Vilanova

Francesc ‘Tito’ Vilanova i Bayo

17-09-1968 - 25-04-2014

Former FC Barcelona manager Francesc Tito Vilanova was rushed to hospital on Thursday and on Friday, lost his battle against cancer (since 2011) at the age of 45.

FC Barcelona will open a space in the main grandstand at the Camp Nou for people to express their condolences, which will be open to anyone who wishes to express their sympathy and love for the late Tito Vilanova.

The Spaniard was Pep Guardiola's assistant during his time at Camp Nou. In the 2012/2013 season, Vilanova led Barcelona to the La Liga title in 2013. Moreover, under Vilanova, Barcelona finished second in the Super Cup. Unfortunately, his season was interrupted by his battle with cancer.

“Tito Vilanova was a wonderful person, and will never be forgotten at FC Barcelona. Thank you for everything you taught us. Rest in peace.” Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu

“A person hard to forget. I will always remember. All my love to the family of Tito.” Lionel Messi

Both Vilanova and Eric Abidal fought cancer while one managed and the other played for Barca. Abidal said, “I always remember friend, RIP. Thanks for the fight. My love and support to his family.”

“Tito Vilanova’s passing is a sad day for football, for Barcelona and most importantly for his family and friends. On behalf of everybody at Chelsea Football Club I send my deepest condolences at this most difficult time.” Jose Mourinho

“Tito Vilanova, one of the best coaches I’ve had on my career. Thank you for all you have given us! RIP.” Victor Valdes

Thank you for your contribution to the beautiful game. You'll be sadly missed by the football nation.

Ryan Giggs: Manchester United Interim Manager

In an exclusive interview before his press conference as Manchester United interim manager, Ryan Giggs spoke to MUTV.

“It’s been a whirlwind week. From Tuesday morning when (executive vice-chairman) Ed Woodward asked me to look after the team for the remaining four games, which I had no hesitation in saying yes to, from then on yes it’s been a crazy week."

As brief as it will be, with only 4 matches and a few training sessions, Giggs described being Manchester United manager as the proudest moment of his life.

“I’ve got to say it’s the proudest moment of my life. I’ve supported Manchester United all my life, it’s been the biggest part of my life since I was 14 when I signed schoolboy forms. I’m proud, happy, a little bit nervous but just like I am as a player I can’t wait for the game on Saturday."

Ryan admitted that he immediately turned to his former mentor Sir Alex Ferguson for guidance when he was handed the temporary role.

"Obviously I played under Sir Alex for so long so he was the first person to call because I wanted advice and to know what to expect. Who better to ring? Why wouldn’t I?!"

Giggs conveyed this simple message to his players:

‘I trust you and I know what you’re capable of and go out there and show it on Saturday and give the fans something to shout about. Entertain them, score goals, make tackles, play with speed, play with tempo.’

Some of Fergie's Fledglings - Class of '92 - Phil Neville, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt will reunite to assist Giggs in his manager position.

“Nicky was with the Reserves so I asked him to come up and help with the first team which he was more than happy to do. Then I phoned Scholesy because I know how much the club means to these people. They feel the same way I do about the club and I know in the short space of time we have they’ll give it everything to make it a success and hopefully end what has been a frustrating season on a high.”

“I’ve had to take a bit of stick [from the players]! Things like where are you going to park, what do we call you? And I had a ‘gaffer’ sign on my place in the dressing room! The players have been great and the reaction in training has been sharp. I’ve just tried to make things relaxed and for everyone to enjoy themselves. As I said let’s have a good end to what has been a frustrating and disappointing season.”

Then at his first press conference as boss at United's Carrington training base, Ryan Giggs was greeted with a little humour when the press officer introduced him as David by mistake.

After the laughs, with Giggs looking very relaxed and excited, he had this to say:

"I'd like to go on record to thank David for giving me my first chance in coaching, it's something I'll always remember, when he rang me in the summer and asked me to come on board at Manchester United, obviously I was still playing but he gave me the opportunity to my first coaching role."

"Secondly, I'd like to just say how proud I am to be managing a third for the remaining four games of the club that I've supported all my life and I've been associated with for 25, 26 years. So it's the proudest moment of my career. One that I'm gonna enjoy for the remainder of the season. Obviously it was a shock to me on Tuesday when I spoke to Ed and he informed me that David was leaving and then asked me to take over. It's just been a bit of a whirlwind week for me."

"I'm just concentrating on the short time the four games that are remaining and that's my main focus. My focus is on tomorrow against Norwich which is gonna be a tough game because they're fighting for their lives after that, I haven't really though about."

"Well just, just try to enjoy yourself and express yourself and I don't know if I'd be saying that if I was manager last week, because the form wasn't great. I've come into the job and obviously my immediate aim is to win Saturday so I felt the best way to do that is to try and make training and go out and play and we've done that."

"Well, it's gonna be my philosophy, it's going to be Manchester United's philosophy because I've been there for all my career. And I want the players to play with passion, speed, tempo, be brave, imagination, all the things I expect of a Manchester United player."

"It's been a frustrating season I think for everyone, you know you win together and you lose together. And I can say these 4 remaining games, I want to bring some positivity back, I want to put smiles on the faces, we've got about 3 home games at Old Trafford where our form hasn't been great. And I want to see goals, I want to see tackles, I want to see players taking players on, and to get the crowd up and I want the passion that should come with being a Manchester United player."

"... bring back some smiles on the faces of the fans."

He wasn't wrong, because of his appointment, I found myself smiling from ear to ear for the first this season since United won the Community Shield in Wembley back in August.

"I've just given myself a five-year contract. So I'm using my power while I can. I haven't done much this week but I'm still involved as a player as well."

"I can't wait for Saturday. I know the place will be rocking and I know the fans will be behind us."

For every single detail of the press conference, Giggs' behaviour, facial expressions etc. Go to YouTube!

David Moyes & League Managers' Association Statements

In a statement issued through the League Managers' Association, David Moyes spoke about the fans, his time at Old Trafford, the players and the difficulties he faced.

David Moyes said: "To have been appointed as manager of Manchester United, one of the biggest football clubs in the world, was and remains something of which I will always be incredibly proud."

"During this period of transition, performances and results have not been what Manchester United and its fans are used to or expect, and I both understand and share their frustration."

"Taking charge after such a long period of continuous stability and success at the club was inevitably going to be a significant challenge, but it was one which I relished and never had a second thought about taking on."

"The scale of the manager's job at United is immense, but I have never stepped away from hard work and the same applies to my coaching staff. I thank them for their dedication and loyalty throughout the last season."

"We were fully focused and committed to the process of the fundamental rebuilding that is required for the senior squad. This had to be achieved whilst delivering positive results in the Barclays Premier League and the Champions League."

"However, during this period of transition, performances and results have not been what Manchester United and its fans are used to or expect, and I both understand and share their frustration."

"In my short time at the club I have learnt what special places Old Trafford and Carrington are. I would like to thank the United staff for making me feel so welcome and part of the United family from my first day. And of course thank you to those fans who have supported me throughout the season. I wish you and the club all the best for the future."

"I have always believed that a manager never stops learning during his career and I know I will take invaluable experience from my time as United's manager."

"I remain proud to have led the team to the quarter finals of this year's Champions League and I remain grateful to Sir Alex Ferguson for believing in my ability and giving me the chance to manage Manchester United."

Moyes accepted the decision was taken based on results.

'He was impressed by his squad's application on the training pitch but frustrated by their inability to consistently carry those standards into match days, and admitted a struggle to replicate the father-son relationships cultivated by Ferguson.'

The LMA, then issued a statement of their own which described Moyes' sacking as 'unprofessional' since it was widely reported the day before he was dismissed.

LMA chief executive Richard Bevan said: "The LMA is very disappointed with the nature of David's departure from Manchester United and to read extensive reports in the press, confirming David's sacking, before David himself had been spoken to officially by the club."

"Throughout his time at United, David, as he always does, has conducted himself with integrity and professionalism, values that he believes in and that have been strongly associated with the club and its rich tradition."

"It is therefore sad to see the end of David's tenure at United being handled in an unprofessional manner."

"David is one of the most talented, knowledgeable and dedicated managers in British football. He has a wealth of experience accumulated in a management career that started when he was 35 and already spans 16 years, with over 800 games in the professional game."

"David is a three-time winner of the LMA Manager of the Year Award, and without a doubt, he has a significant future in front of him in football management. He is passionate about the game and I know he possesses the drive and resilience to learn from this chapter of his career and move on to a new challenge in the game."

David Moyes - SACKED!

"Manchester United has announced that David Moyes has left the club. The club would like to place on record its thanks for the hard work, honesty and integrity he brought to the role."

Club Statement - MANUTD.COM

David Moyes was sacked by Manchester United early this morning after a disappointing 9 months and 22 days at Old Trafford, less than one season into his 6 year contract. Moreover, the sacking was based purely on on-pitch results.

According to reports, Moyes left with coaching staff Steve Round and Jimmy Lumsden, while goalkeeping coach Chris Woods and first team coach Phil Neville will remain with the club for the rest of the season.

Ryan Giggs was appointed interim manager until the end of the season and only after the end of the season will the club look for a permanent manager.

After his appointment, Moyes was dubbed the Chosen One after Sir Alex Ferguson looked to him as his long-term successor.

Most reports said Moyes was hand-picked or chosen by Sir Alex Ferguson. However, it was the Glazer family who signed him. Ferguson just gave his opinion, someone he wanted to be considered, not someone he said should be signed. Moyes wasn't the only manager up for the job, Jose Mourinho was too. But, the final decision rested with the Glazer family.

When the reigns were handed over to Moyes, United had won the Premier League by 11 points and now he leaves the club in 7th position on the table.

Moreover, United have 4 games remaining and are guaranteed to record their lowest points tally in the Premier League at the end of the season - the final humiliation (hopefully).

A dressing room source labelled the performance as "lacking desire and passion" and "the basic heart of the team has disappeared". It had seemed for some time the players had stopped trying for Moyes.

Moyes took just 6 points from 12 games against the teams above United in the table, and on Sunday he was confident he would be given time and money to reshape the club's playing squad.

With the exception of Matt Busby's additional 21 games in charge as emergency manager following Wilf McGuinness's exit in 1970 and the 22 games when Jimmy Murphy stood in for Busby after the Munich crash, Moyes's reign is the third shortest in United history.

United were given a difficult start to the season, playing Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City in their first five games.

"I find it hard to believe that's the way the balls came out of the bag, that's for sure," said Moyes.

But his reign began in style with a 2-0 victory over Wigan Athletic in the Community Shield at Wembley, followed by a 4-1 win away at Swansea City in the first league game of the season.

It is also the first time since 6 November 1986 that Manchester United have sacked a manager.

WHAT WAS SAID

Gary Neville, who told Sky Sports News:

"I believe in managers being given time. I think they should be allowed to complete their work."

"The idea of giving people three and four and six-year contracts and then getting rid of them after 10 months is something that's foreign to me."

"However, there's no disguising that the football this season has been poor. The results have been poor. As a fan I've not enjoyed watching it. I'm sure David Moyes himself hasn't enjoyed watching it and I can't think of many Man United fans who would have enjoyed watching it either."

Neville also said United's players should bear significant blame for this season's poor form, while Sean Bones of the Manchester United Supporters' Trust pointed the finger at the club's owners.

Bones believes the club has shown a lack of class in the way they went about sacking David Moyes.

Bones said: "This has been done without class and dignity. It's wrong to brief journalists before speaking to the man himself."

"It was a risky decision in the first place to appoint Moyes because he wasn't proven at the highest level - that decision is down to the Glazer family."

"It's a results-based industry, but it's not been done in the right way and the Glazers haven't invested in the club at the right time."

Dwight Yorke said: "What I have seen is a Manchester United team who lack the desire to win a football match. The boys look like they are ready for the end of the season and to go on holiday.

"The players and the manager have to take responsibility - the manager is putting out a team he believes is going to win him a football match. These players have not been able to perform.

"But what stands out even further is the desire from the players - they don't seem to have it. They had a lot of possession during the game but where is the end product? That is not the United of old that we know. Pace and power is what United used to do to other teams, now other teams are doing that to them."

Peter Schmeichel had this to say on Twitter:

As a @ManUtd fan I would like to thank David Moyes for giving his 100% in a very difficult job, and I wish him all the best going forward.

THERE'S HOPE

Manchester United's share price climbed by 1% immediately after the New York Stock Exchange opened following the sacking of David Moyes.

The shares had slumped in value on Monday when reports started surfacing that Moyes was set to be axed.

Yet the official confirmation of his departure was followed by a spike in share price up 27 cents from $17.72 to $17.99 in the first 20 minutes of trading.

MOYES MANCHESTER UNITED RECORDS

34 Games

1.65 Goals per game

1.18 Conceded per game

5/24 Points versus top 4

Total

Games 51

Won 27

Draws 9

Lost 15

Goals For 86

Goals Against 54

Barclays Premier League

Played 34

Won 17

Draws 6

Lost 11

Points 57

UEFA Champions League

Played 10

Won 5

Draws 3

Lost 2

FA Cup

Played 1

Lost 1

Capital One Cup

Played 5

Won 4

Lost 1

Community Shield

Played 1

Won 1

May it not be forgotton that although United didn't win any major trophies, they won the Community Shield under Moyes.

50% - David Moyes had the 3rd best win rate (league games) of any Manchester United manager in history - played 34 and won 17. (@OptaJoe)

MOYES AT UNITED

David Moyes was breaking Manchester United records all season. Unfortunately for him, they were the unwanted ones.

United lost home & away against Everton, Liverpool and Manchester City.

United suffered their first ever home loss to Swansea City.

United suffered first home loss to Newcastle United since 1972.

United suffered first home loss to West Bromwich Albion since 1978.

United suffered first league defeat to Stoke City since 1984.

United lost at home to Everton for the first time in 21 years.

United suffered 3 straight defeats for the first time since 2001.

United lost to Olympiakos for the first time after winning their 4 previous meetings.

It was the first time United conceded a first minute goal in the Premier League.

United were beaten in the League Cup semi-final by Sunderland.

Bayern Munich beat United in the Champions League quarter-final.

United managed only 5 points from a possible 24 against the top 4 - Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal.

The Reds will miss out on Champions League football for the first time since 1995 and could also miss out on European competition altogether for the first time since 1990.

United lost 6 league games at home.

In March, some supporters chartered a plane to fly overhead during their Premier League game against Aston Villa trailing a banner with the words "Wrong One - Moyes Out".

When midfielder Anderson joined Fiorentina on loan in January, Moyes was quoted as saying other United players "wanted out" but he later denied it.

Rio Ferdinand and Robin van Persie made comments about his management style while Javier Hernandez and Wilfried Zaha took to social media.

Danny Welbeck started to consider his future at Old Trafford after becoming frustrated at regularly being played out of his favoured position.

SUCCESSFUL & FAILED TRANSFERS

United endured a difficult summer transfer window and failed in reported bids for Barcelona's Thiago Alcantara and Cesc Fabregas.

A double bid for Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines was dismissed as "derisory and insulting" by Moyes's old club Everton, although Fellaini finally joined on deadline day.

Moyes did manage deals worth £66m for Marouane Fellaini, Juan Mata and Guillermo Varela, but the task of spending a summer transfer fund reported to be in the region of £200m might fall to his successor.

POSSIBLE SUCCESSORS

Ryan Giggs

Jurgen Klopp

Laurent Blanc

Antonio Conte

Carlos Queiroz

Diego Simeone

Louis Van Gaal

Roberto Martinez

Sir Alex Ferguson

On the one hand, United have not approached any potential candidate. On the other hand, Jurgen Klopp has revealed that he is committed to Borussia Dortmund, which means he is not under serious consideration at this stage.

Louis van Gaal is the favourite to replace Moyes after the World Cup, with Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp ruling themselves out.

Klopp said: "Man United's a great club and I feel very familiar with their wonderful fans. But my commitment to Dortmund and the people is not breakable."

11 April 2014

2013/2014 UEFA Europa & Champions League Draw

UEFA Europa League
Semi-Finals
Sevilla v Valencia

Benfica v Juventus


Final
14 May 2014 - Torino
Winners Semi-Final 1 v Winners Semi-Final 2


Valencia and Juventus have won the Europa League 3 times. While Sevilla and Benfica have won it twice.

If Valencia or Juventus win the Europa League, then they would be the first club to have won 4 Europa League titles.

UEFA Champions League
Semi-Finals
Real Madrid v Bayern Munich

Atlético Madrid v Chelsea


Final
24 May 2014 Lisbon
Winners of Semi-Final 1 v Winners of Semi-Final 2



Since the 1990s, no club has been able to win consecutive European Cups. The last was AC Milan who won 3 consecutive European Cups (1988-89, 89-90). Looking at this years semi-finalists, Bayern Munich looks capable of winning the cup again this year and without a doubt, they are the favourites.

Then again, Chelsea could win their second title if they make it through their semi-final.

Atlético Madrid has never won the Champions League and judging by their performance this season, it's possible for them to bag their first title. But, they have the likes of Chelsea, Real Madrid or the dangerous Bayern to defeat.

10 April 2014

Bayern Munich: Banners, Fines & Empty Sector

This:

Caused this:

If you watched the Champions League clash between Bayern Munich and Manchester United last night then you definitely saw the closure of sector 124 in the Allianz Arena.

Instead of fans 3 banners were displayed across sector 124 which read "No to Racism".

The closure came because some Bayern fans carried a homophobic banner during the 1-1 last 16 second leg draw against Arsenal on March 11. The sign read "Gay Gunners" with an animation of Mesut Özil with his pants down in front of the visitors’ signature cannon.

After the incident, UEFA opened disciplinary proceedings against Bayern because of the banner. Bayern were fined for a political banner which read "Say No to racism, Say Yes to Kosovo".

As a result, the punishment was for Bayern to close part of the Allianz during the quarter-final second leg match against United on 9 April, as well as a €10, 000 (£8,354) fine.

"Discriminatory behaviour of Bayern supporters (Article 14 UEFA Disciplinary Regulations) and the displaying of an illicit banner (Article 16(2e) DR)" - a statement on UEFA's website.

Past Discriminatory Abuse

This season UEFA forced CSKA Moscow to play their next match in its competitions behind closed doors for repeated infringements. These infringements included the monkey chants aimed at Manchester City's Yaya Toure.

UEFA also fined Celtic £42,000 after their fans displayed an 'illicit banner' in their Champions League group stage match against AC Milan at Celtic Park.

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