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World Cup hosts Russia fined for discriminatory chanting

Monument to Soviet Union-era political leader Sergei Kirov outside Krestovsky stadium in St Petersburg. To be used at the 2018 World Cup.
Image: The Krestovsky stadium hosted the Russia-France friendly

FIFA has fined the Russian soccer federation £22,000 for discriminatory chanting by fans during a game in Saint Petersburg against France.

Monkey chants were aimed at players, including Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba, during France's 3-1 win over the upcoming World Cup hosts on March 27.

FIFA says a disciplinary panel noted "the gravity of the incident but also the limited number of fans involved".

According to FIFA, the panel, chaired by judge Anin Yeboah of Ghana, made a "thorough investigation, including the review of video evidence".

The stadium in Saint Petersburg will host seven World Cup games, including Russia's Group A game against Egypt and a semi-final match.

The case follows racism charges which were brought by UEFA against Zenit St. Petersburg due to fan behaviour at two Europa League games this season.

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