Race against time
Paul Pogba and French team-mates racially abused by Russian fans in St Petersburg just months before World Cup
FIFA have opened an urgent probe after Paul Pogba and other France players were racially abused in their 3-1 friendly win over Russia.
Monkey chants were heard when black players touched the ball during the game in St Petersburg on Tuesday.
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Paul Pogba and Co were subjected to racist abuse in Russia on TuesdayManchester United ace Pogba and Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele were targeted.
Dembele had to suffer verbal barrages when he took corners — as did Pogba after he scored a free-kick.
Fifa confirmed it was collecting evidence and would contact the Fare Network, which helps world football’s governing body investigate racism cases.
A Fifa spokesman said: “We are collecting the different match reports and potential evidence in regards to the discriminatory incidents reported in the media.”
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France's squad were subjected to horrific racist abuse in St Petersburg
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It is the third suspected case of racism at the Krestovsky Stadium this season — with Uefa having twice charged Zenit St Petersburg for the behaviour of their fans in Europa League games.
French sports minister Laura Flessel said: “Racism has no place on football fields. We must act together at European and international level to stop this unacceptable behaviour.”
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St Petersburg will host SEVEN games at the World Cup this summer, including the match between Nigeria and Argentina on June 26.
This latest scandal — the chants at Dembele were reported by a French pitchside photographer — will increase demands for Fifa to step in.
Piara Powar, head of the Fare Network, said: “So close to the World Cup, questions are being asked as to why it wasn’t dealt with as it occurred during play.”
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