FA call for racism probe

Fifa asked to investigate chants aimed at Heskey

Last updated: 11th September 2008

Emile Heskey England v Croatia

Heskey in action against Croatia

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The Football Association have submitted a report to Fifa and asked them to investigate allegations of racial abuse aimed at Emile Heskey during England's victory over Croatia.

Home fans at the Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb were heard making monkey chants towards the Wigan striker after he was booked, which he described afterwards as being made by 'ignorant people'.

"I just continue to play my game and we have to let The FA directors deal with this," Heskey told reporters after the game.

"They are ignorant people and we should ignore them and enjoy the game.

"Even the Croatian people were not very happy to hear those noises."

Unacceptable

A spokesman for the FA said: "We can confirm that we will be making a report to Fifa about the racist chanting aimed at Emile Heskey by some Croatia fans during the World Cup qualifying game in Zagreb.

"It is unacceptable for anyone to be subjected to racial abuse and we will be asking Fifa to investigate this.

"The FA and England team are determined to do all they can to eradicate any form of racism from football and society."

Croatia were given a small fine during Euro 2008 for racist abuse from their fans during the game against Turkey, and they could escape a heavy punishment this time as the chants were made by a small section of the crowd in Zagreb.