FIFA charges Russia over racist abuse of black French players

The abuse occurred during France's 3-1 win over Russia in St. Petersburg last month

FIFA have charged Russia for the racist abuse aimed at some of France's black players during a friendly match between the two nations in March this year. The abusive behaviour from the Russian fans mostly came in the form of monkey chants and as directed at France's black players, of which there were six in the starting line up that day. After collecting evidence, FIFA have said that "disciplinary proceedings have been opened against the Russian Football Union (RFU) for this incident". Russia have been charged for racist abuse coming from the national team's fans at the last two European Championships. On both occasions, the RFU were punished with a fine. The stadium where the abuse occurred is the home of Zenit St. Petersburg and will host a semi-final in the upcoming World Cup this summer. Zenit St. Petersburg have faced UEFA charges for racism by their fans in Europa League games twice before. Zenit fans flew a banner praising convicted war criminal Ratko Mladic when playing a Macedonian club in November and are accused of using a racially charged term to mock an injured black player in a game against Leipzig. The second case is due to be heard by UEFA on May 31, two weeks before the World Cup begins. The incident raises serious concerns ahead of the World Cup, which already faces problems regarding fan violence and hooliganism.