Fifa and Uefa are set to launch an inquiry into the Spanish FA after England’s black players were subjected to racist abuse in Wednesday’s friendly.

Ashley Cole had to endure monkey chants throughout the ill- tempered clash in Madrid and substiturtes Shaun Wright-Phillips and Jermain Defoe were also subjected to the same treatment.

UK Sports minister Richard Caborn said: “I will write to my Spanish counterpart to express my outrage. I would like the Spanish FA to condemn the scenes.

“I also expect Fifa and Uefa to fully investigate the issue.”

“There is no place for racism in football or modern society, and I strongly believe that action needs to be taken at the highest level.”

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson said: “It’s very bad to hear when people boo players because of the colour of their skin.

“At Lazio four years ago we had some fans who did the same. When things like this happen, then something must be done.”

Captain David Beckham, who plays at the Bernabeu for Real Madrid, admitted the chanting had surprised him.

“Playing here and living here, I’ve never heard anything towards racism at all,” said Beckham.

“I was surprised but it’s something the FA and world football are trying to cut out and they are working very hard.”

Gordon Taylor, the head of the players union, says England’s players should have walked off during the game.

“The message should have come down from the FA directors, to say we will take responsibility for this and take them off,” the Professional Footballers Association chief executive said.

The Football Association had complained to Uefa after several England U-21 players were targeted in their game on Tuesday.