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| Manuel Pellegrini has backed Man City's fans after they booed the Champions League anthem |
MANUEL PELLEGRINI has backed the right of Manchester City fans to boo the UEFA anthem.
European football's governing body has bizarrely opened a disciplinary file against City after their fans booed and jeered the anthem before the Champions League game with Sevilla at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.
But boss Pellegrini came down firmly on the side of the fans. He said: "I think everyone has the right to express what they feel, with order and respect. I don’t know why UEFA think that about our fans. But it’s the same for the manager, the players, the referee, they pay for their tickets and can express what they feel with respect."
City are "bemused" by the UEFA match delegate's decision to include the pre-match incident in his report. They are consulting their lawyers and will defend their supporters at any hearing although sources do not believe any sanctions will ultimately be taken against the club.
City followers remain unhappy with UEFA for their financial fair play punishments on the club a year ago and for their handling of the CSKA Moscow stadium closure following the racial abuse suffered by Yaya Toure in a Champions League game in the Arena Khimki.
Around 600 CSKA Fans were allowed into the stadium while City followers who had already purchased flights and tickets were turned away.
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