Russian champions Zenit Saint Petersburg have denied that racist slogans were shouted at players from Marseille by fans during their UEFA Cup match on Wednesday.
UEFA have launched an inquiry after Marseille defender Ronald Zubar complained of racist chants directed against him and his teammates Charles Kabore and Andre Ayew.
“Zenit unites football players of different nationalities and religions,” the club said in a statement.
“Our club has millions of supporters in different countries. The club and its players repeatedly took part in the anti-racist programmes permanently expressing their negative attitude to any outbreaks of racism.
“The club can only express its bewilderment concerning the accusations of racist propaganda made by Zenit fans that appeared after Marseille left Saint Petersburg,” the statement added.
“It’s even more surprising as no remarks about it were made either before the match or at the post-match news conference.”
However, the club promised to investigate the case.
Zenit won 2-0 to qualify for the UEFA Cup quarter-finals.
