MOSCOW -- Torpedo Moscow have been ordered to close part of their stadium for three games by the Russian Football Union as punishment for their fans racially abusing opposition players.
Torpedo fans directed monkey chants at FC Rostov players during a 2-1 win in the Russian Premier League on Saturday, earning the club its second punishment for racism this season.
The ruling may not have much practical effect since Torpedo has posted attendances as low as 1,700.
Rostov coach Igor Gamula was banned from Saturday's game against Torpedo after saying he would not sign black players.
Russian football has been regularly marred by racism this year, with repeated sanctions for CSKA Moscow in the Champions League.