FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Russian Football Union over monkey chants heard during a friendly international against France, a spokesman told AFP on Tuesday. Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba and Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele were allegedly targeted by racist chanting during the match in Saint Petersburg last month between the World Cup hosts and France.
The Associated Press also noted Russian fans have been charged with racism at the last two European Championships, with the RFU fined on both occasions.
Speaking about the most recent incident, the RFU's anti-discrimination inspector, Alexei Smertin, said he would be doing what he can to help out FIFA's inquest.
"The Russian Football Union is ready to take an active part in it (the FIFA probe) and is already conducting an internal investigation," he said, per Reuters. "We are looking for the people who were shouting. They should not be at soccer stadiums."
