Russia probes new monkey chants ahead of WC

MOSCOW, April 19, (AFP): Russian football chiefs said on Thursday they will probe apparent monkey chants directed at Cape Verdean midfielder Nuno Rocha during a domestic cup semifinal this week.

The incident comes less than two months before Russia hosts the World Cup and is sure to fuel fears of racism marring the tournament.

Wednesday’s game in Moscow culminated with a penalty shootout between hosts Spartak and the small Russian Premier League side Tosno. department chief Alexei Smertin said the chants came from Spartak fans.

“We are currently studying game material, including the chanting that was heard from the Spartak supporters’ stand after Nuno Rocha’s penalty,” he told Russian media.

Football officials are expected to issue their ruling during a disciplinary committee meeting next week.

The investigation comes with concern about racial abuse in Russia already running high after a spate of recent incidents.

The world football governing body FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Russia over monkey chants heard at a World Cup warmup against France last month.

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba and Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele were allegedly targeted during the match in Saint Petersburg.

Racism has been plaguing Russian football since clubs began purchasing foreign players after the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991.

The Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) antidiscrimination network reported 89 racist and far-right incidents at Russian games in the 2016/17 season. LONDON, April 19, (AFP): Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso has been banned for three matches for his challenge on Southampton’s Shane Long, the Football Association announced on Thursday.

The left wing-back appeared to stand on the back of Long’s leg during their Premier League game on Saturday and the incident went unpunished by referee Mike Dean.

Alonso was found guilty at a hearing on Wednesday. He is ruled out of