UEFA to investigate after Beasley complains of racism

LONDON, Aug 8 (Reuters) UEFA is to investigate allegations that home fans racially abused Rangers' US midfielder DaMarcus Beasley in their Champions League qualifying win at Zeta in Montenegro.

Beasley, who scored his first goal for the Scottish club since his close-season move in yesterday's 1-0 victory in the second round, second leg match, complained about his treatment.

''From what we have heard about what happened, we will investigate,'' a spokesman for European soccer's ruling body said today.

''We are waiting to receive official reports and we will ask the clubs for statements. But at this stage there is no date for a meeting of the Control and Disciplinary Body.

''It's the start of the investigation.'' Beasley, a former PSV Eindhoven player, told Rangers' Web site (www.rangersfc.co.uk): ''I heard the chants from the crowd.

''It happened to me a few years ago when PSV played Red Star in Belgrade and I can't believe that racist abuse is still in football.

''People can come to a match and boo and jeer but the racist thing just has to get out of football.

''It sickens to hear these chants but when you are on the pitch you have to try to blank it out. It degrades the game for everyone.'' The alleged taunts follow similar incidents recently involving fans from eastern Europe.

In June, Serbia fans targeted England's black players for racist abuse during an Under-21 championship match in the Netherlands.

UEFA have also been investigating reports of racist chants by Slovakian fans of Slovan Bratislava in an Intertoto Cup game at FC Differdange of Luxembourg in the same month.

REUTERS BJR KN1553