Yaya Toure urges Uefa action over racist abuse

Manuel Pellegrini's side travelled to Russia to face CSKA Moscow on Wednesday night, with the Premier League outfit's players, particularly the Ivorian, singled out for abuse

Manchester City's Yaya Toure has urged Uefa to act after confirming he received racist abuse in the Champions League clash with CSKA Moscow.

The Cote d'Ivoire midfielder appeared to be the target of chants from some sections of the home crowd during the 2-1 victory at the Arena Khimki on Wednesday.


Afterwards he told Sky Sports: "It's unbelievable. I think Uefa needs to do something strong."

Former Barcelona midfielder Toure believes Europe's governing body should take decisive action and possibly impose a stadium ban on CSKA if their fans are found guilty of abusing him.

He added: "I told the ref, I think it was unbelievable and very sad. We want to stop that. Uefa need to do something.

"Maybe close the stadium for a couple of games. As an African player, it is always sad when you hear something like that."

City boss Manuel Pellegrini also called for Uefa to act if they find that his player was subjected to abuse: "It's a pity and I hope Uefa have the right measures," he said
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Yaya Toure: Barcelona were the club of my heart

The Manchester City midfielder tells of the affection he had towards his former club and the difficulty of leaving, though stresses he remains happy at the Etihad Stadium

Yaya Toure says Barcelona were the club of his heart, admitting he never thought he would leave the Catalan giants for Manchester City.

The Cote d'Ivoire midfielder has become an integral part of City's side since arriving from Camp Nou for €30 million in July 2010, scoring 29 goals in 135 games for the club.

However in an interview with Sport, the 30-year-old revealed he had intended to see out his career with the Catalans and only a lack of first-team opportunities convinced him to leave.

"Barca were the club of my heart," the two-time African Player of the Year said.

"I had planned to retire there, to stay for many years. I've a lot of love for many people: [Andres] Iniesta, [Victor] Valdes, Xavi, [Sergio] Busquets... we were like a little family. [Gerard] Pique and [Carles] Puyol, too.

"I was 27 when I left, with enormous competition for places. I wanted to play more and not be on the bench. Leaving was the most difficult decision of my life, I loved that club and the fans. But now I am happy, at City I'm part of something very nice."

Toure has won the Premier League, FA Cup and Community Shield since moving to England and was amongst the scorers as City opened the season with a 4-0 win over Newcastle United last week.