France players suffer ‘racist’ chants in Russia

Players for the France national team claim they suffered racist abuse from fans during their match against Russia in Saint Petersburg.

It is alleged Manchester United's Paul Pogba and Barcelona's Ousmane Dembele were targeted with offensive chants from home fans during their team’s 3-1 victory at the Krestovsky Stadium, which will feature as a host in this summer’s World Cup.

French Minister for Sport Laura Flessel said: "Racism has no place on the football pitch. We have to act in unison at a European and international level to put an end to these inadmissible actions."

In response to claims that racism could mar the World Cup, Russian football's anti-discrimination chief Alexei Smertin has insisted that minorities will feel "safe and comfortable", and dismissed fears as "propaganda".