CSKA Moscow: 'Yaya Toure racism row was exaggerated'

CSKA Moscow manager Leonid Slutsky has claimed that the Yaya Toure racism row was "exaggerated" and that there was an "over-reaction" to the incident.

The Russian club's Champions League clash with Manchester City a fortnight ago was overshadowed by allegations that a section of their supporters targeted Toure with monkey chants throughout the match.

UEFA responded by closing a section of CSKA's stadium for their next Champions League home game, but Slutsky insists that he did not hear the alleged abuse and that the club are vehemently opposed to racist behaviour.

"We have already spoken about our official position. It is normal, like many people, we are against racism. In our team we have black players. We love them and give them our support," Slutsky told reporters.

"As for the match, we did not hear any racial slurs, so it is difficult to comment. What I can say is the club is categorically against racism. We think the situation has been exaggerated and there was an over-reaction. We have received our punishment, and it was up to UEFA to make this decision.

"I think we have discussed this matter enough already. The sooner we finish this matter the better. It has been discussed over and over again and brings unhealthy speculation."

CSKA will face Man City in the return fixture at the Etihad Stadium tomorrow night.