Racist chanting in match report

Last updated : 12 August 2005 By Rich Middleton

Monkey chants were heard during the Redmens impressive display against CSKA Sofia, eventually taking a 3-1 advantage back to Anfield.

But the racist chanting has not gone unnoticed by the match officials and it seems action will be taken against the Bulgarian club.

Ian Cotton, Reds spokesman, said, "The UEFA official has told our secretary Bryce Morrison that he has heard the monkey noises and he will include that in his report."

Rafa Benitez also mentioned the chanting, adding, "The atmosphere in terms of support was good in the ground, but the monkey noises are a pity. We must learn and not do it because it is really bad for football...but the Uefa official has heard and it has gone in his report."

Cisse dealt with the racism in his own way though, with a fine performance and a goal in the first half. Liverpool bosses, and football fans across Europe, will be keen however to see that sufficient punishment is handed out to the Bulgarian side, with racist chanting becoming more widespread in the past few years, yet little effective action from UEFA being dealt out.