MOSCOW, November 26 (R-Sport) - Two thousand Russian police officers will be on duty at Zenit St. Petersburg’s match with CSKA Moscow even though no fans will be allowed in, Zenit said Monday.

The St. Petersburg side have been forced to play the match, and their game against Anzhi Makhachkala on December 9, behind closed doors as part of their punishment over a flare-throwing incident.

Despite the lack of supporters, a standard police presence will be deployed, Zenit said in a website statement.

Zenit’s game at Dynamo Moscow earlier this month was abandoned when a pyrotechnic thrown from the Zenit end injured Dynamo goalkeeper Anton Shunin. Dynamo were awarded a 3-0 win by default.

Zenit have vowed to appeal their punishment, but the case will not be heard in time for the CSKA game.