MANCHESTER City captain Vincent Kompany has admitted his side was distracted against CSKA Moscow by the lack of abusive chanting.
Fans were banned from watching the 2-2 draw, meaning the stadium was empty but for UEFA dignitaries and journalists, none of whom were intending to watch the game anyway.
Kompany said: “As a Man City player, you get a real lift from 40,000 people telling you they hate you. Everyone dreams of being burnt in effigy, and we really missed that against CSKA.
“You feel really self-conscious complaining at the referee when he can actually hear you.”
Man City assistant boss Brian Kidd said: “I swore at them from the touchline as much as I could, but as usual, I don’t think they paid me any attention.”
