Empty stadium benefits no one

FERNANDINHO claims playing in an empty stadium in Moscow is of no benefit to Manchester City’s Champions League quest.

No fans will be present this afternoon as City take on CSKA Moscow in a crucial Champions League Group ‘E’ game. CSKA have been ordered to play their next three European home matches behind closed doors as punishment for their fans’ racist behaviour.

Fernandinho disagrees with suggestions the move is to City’s advantage: “It is always good when you play away because the fans support their team and it gives you more motivation to play well. This is not good for either team or for football.”

City need to win to get their campaign up and running after collecting just one point from their opening two fixtures against Bayern Munich and Roma.