MARSEILLE - UEFA have begun an investigation after Marseille defender Ronald Zubar claimed he was the victim of racist abuse from Zenit St Petersburg fans during their UEFA Cup last-16 tie on Wednesday.
Zubar made the claims following the game at Zenit's Petrovski stadium, where Marseille lost 2-0 on the night to let slip a 3-1 lead from the first leg and exit the competition on away goals.
After the game Zubar told the club's official website www.om.net: "A banana was thrown at us, and there were monkey chants.
"It wasn't terrible, it just adds to the defeat and elimination. These are the kind of things you don't want to have to experience in life."
On Thursday afternoon, UEFA announced an investigation would be carried out.
An official statement on www.uefa.com read: "UEFA has opened an investigation into alleged racial abuse of Olympique de Marseille players by spectators at the UEFA Cup Round of 16 second leg against FC Zenit St Petersburg in Russia on Wednesday.
"If the investigation produces any findings, the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body would examine the matter at its meeting on Thursday, March 20.
"Article 11bis of the UEFA disciplinary regulations says that various sanctions may be imposed on clubs whose supporters insult the human dignity of a person or group of persons by whatever means, including on grounds of colour, race, religion or ethnic origin."
Zubar claimed the incident occurred while he was warming up during the second half with Marseille team-mates Charles Kabore and Andre Ayew.
"These guys in the stands looked right at us and made monkey noises," he said.
"It's a shame. They were leading the chants, but they had so much to celebrate.
"I pointed them out to the linesman. He heard them too, but he said he couldn't do anything while he was involved in the match.
"With things like that they should stop the game and throw the individuals concerned out."
