The Sport Matrix: Thursday 31 October 2013

Uefa criticised as CSKA sanctioned for racial abuse

Russian club CSKA Moscow will face partial closure of their Khimki stadium for their next home Champions League game against Bayern Munich after Uefa found that their supporters were guilty of racially abusing Manchester City’s Ivorian midfielder Yaya Touré (above).

The sanction is part of new legislation passed by Uefa’s executive committee in the summer to increase the penalties for clubs whose supporters racially abuse players.

Any further offence this season would mean CSKA face a full stadium closure and a fine, while a third offence could mean a points deduction or even disqualification from the competition.

These measures were introduced by Uefa’s executive committee in consultation with anti-racism groups. The decision has attracted criticism, with former England international Stan Collymore describing the punishment as “Uefa clownery”.

In a separate decision, Uefa disciplined their venue director for failing to make a stadium announcement when Touré said he had been abused. MORE

City leave it late to secure progress

Manchester City scored twice in extra time to beat Newcastle 2-0 and earn a place in the last eight of the Capital One Cup. Alvaro Negredo and Edin Dzeko both struck for City. Jermain Defoe’s extra-time strike for Tottenham meant their tie against Hull went to penalties. MORE

Bale strikes twice for Real Madrid

Gareth Bale responded to his critics by scoring the first two goals for Real Madrid against Sevilla in La Liga. The Welshman put Carlo Ancelotti’s side ahead in the 13th minute and struck again 14 minutes later. The score was 5-3 to Real at the time of going to press.

QPR and Wigan play out stalemate

QPR missed the chance to close the gap on Championship league leaders Burnley as they played out a goalless draw at Wigan. Charlie Austin went close for Rangers, while Chris McCann had the best chance for Wigan, his header coming back off the post. MORE

Beckham poised to own MLS team

David Beckham has spoken of his excitement at starting up a new Major League Soccer team in Miami. “It is hard to start a new team, but I want to bring a certain amount of history to my MLS team,” said Beckham, who ruled out managing the club himself. MORE

Robshaw: England must step up a gear

England captain Chris Robshaw has called on his side to step up a level for Saturday’s Test against Australia at Twickenham. “It’s about finding the next gear,” said Robshaw yesterday. “We should be expecting to win these games.” MORE

‘Make or break’ week for McIlroy

Rory McIlroy says this week is vital to his bid to make the season’s Dubai finale. “It’s a big week, make or break,” he said before the WGC-HSBC Champions in China. “If I don’t play well, there’s a chance I won’t play in Dubai.” MORE

England positive over Cook’s injury

England played down the severity of Alastair Cook’s back injury which prevented the captain from taking part in the opening tour match against a Western Australia XI, which began this morning. “It’s not a massive injury,” said Matt Prior. MORE

Onions is not bitter over England snub

Graham Onions has maintained perspective after being left out of England’s Ashes squad. The Durham quick bowler, recalling his once-troublesome back problem, said: “I need to keep thinking about how well I’ve done getting back from that injury.” MORE

Froome voted year’s top rider

Chris Froome has won the prestigious Vélo d’Or award as the best rider of 2013. The British Tour de France champion came top in a poll of cycling journalists set up by the French publication Vélo Magazine.

Aussie malaise

Australia used to dominate the sporting landscape, but after a year to forget in several sports, including Michael Clarke’s cricket team, they are looking to Britain for guidance. MORE