UEFA cuts Dynamo Kiev racism sanctions before Man City visit

NYON, Switzerland (AP) - Dynamo Kiev had its UEFA sanctions for racist attacks by fans cut on Tuesday, clearing the club to allow spectators in when Manchester City visits in the Champions League this month.

UEFA said its appeals committee reduced the Ukraine champion's punishment from two closed-door matches to one.

Dynamo hosts Man City in the 70,000-capacity Olympic Stadium on Feb. 24 in a round of 16, first-leg match. The UEFA ban was served in a group-stage game against Maccabi Tel Aviv in December.

UEFA also halved Dynamo's fine to 50,000 euros ($55,000).

Dynamo fans attacked at least eight fans in a home section of the stadium when Chelsea visited on Oct. 20.

Most of the victims were black, and some were white who tried to protect the black fans.

UEFA's anti-discrimination monitoring partner, Fare, which sends observers to major European games, captured video of four black men being chased through the crowd.

Stadium security staff did not intervene as some black fans were caught and beaten, along with white men who tried to help.

UEFA did not publish reasons for the ruling on Dynamo's appeal.

The sanction was Dynamo Kiev's second from UEFA for racism incidents in 2015.

Last March, UEFA fined Dynamo and closed part of the stadium for racist fan behavior at a Europa League game against Everton.

The Olympic Stadium is currently front-runner to be chosen by UEFA to host the 2018 Champions League final. The decision is expected within months.

The venue also hosted the 2012 European Championship final after being renovated for the tournament.