MOSCOW, November 27. /TASS/. Russia has asked UEFA to pay special attention to security issues at the Champions League match in Belgium’s city Ghent between FC Zenit St. Petersburg and the local football club set for December 9, Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said on Friday.

Ghent Mayor Daniel Termont earlier banned the Russian club’s fans from attending the match to avoid conflicts as Ghent has a large Turkish diaspora.

"Of course, this is not normal. Under FIFA and UEFA rules, 10% of tickets can be given to the guest team," Mutko told TASS. "If the city authorities cannot ensure security, the match should be held at another stadium. I’ve already made this proposal to UEFA."

FC Zenit general director Maxim Mitrofanov also proposed the match to be moved to a neutral place, adding that he was "surprised with the Ghent mayor’s statement."