Russian football champions in racism scandal

21 Mar, 2008 04:12 / Updated 17 years ago

Russian football champions Zenit have found themselves at the centre of a racism scandal. UEFA say they will investigate the behaviour of the Saint Petersburg team's fans during their UEFA Cup clash with Marseille last week.

However, it was announced later that the European game's governing organistaion have stalled an immediate inquiry. Marseille accused fans from Saint Petersburg, known as the cultural capital of Russia, of abusing their black players, by making monkey chants and throwing bananas. Zenit came from behind to win through on aggregate. They now meet Bayer Leverkusen in the quarter-finals next month. UEFA have the power to fine the Russian league champions or make them play in an empty stadium.