UEFA probe racism 'incidents'

UEFA today revealed they are investigating incidents at the end of Chelsea's Champions League victory over Barcelona on Tuesday.

Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o claimed he was racially abused by a ground staff member at Stamford Bridge immediately after the enthralling 4-2 Chelsea win.

Eto'o said he was called a 'monkey' while Barca manager Frank Rijkaard and Brazilian Ronaldinho were also embroiled in scuffles near the tunnel area.

"We are looking into the matter," said a UEFA spokesman. "We are gathering information and have received the referee's and delegates' report."

It is understood that official Pierluigi Collina did not include reference to the alleged racial abuse, which Chelsea strenuously deny, in his report.

The latest Champions League incidents involving Chelsea and Barcelona are to be investigated by UEFA.

Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o claimed he was racially abused by a ground staff member at Stamford Bridge immediately after the enthralling 4-2 Chelsea win.

Eto'o said he was called a 'monkey' while Barca manager Frank Rijkaard and Brazilian Ronaldinho were also embroiled in scuffles near the tunnel area.

"We are looking into the matter," said a UEFA spokesman. "We are gathering information and have received the referee's and delegates' report."

It is understood that official Pierluigi Collina did not include reference to the alleged racial abuse, which Chelsea strenuously deny, in his report.

Rijkaard was involved in a touchline confrontation with Chelsea scout Andre Villas immediately after the final whistle.

And as Blues counterpart Jose Mourinho ran on to celebrate the 5-4 aggregate victory, Barcelona's players, including Ronaldinho and Eto'o, were involved in angry altercations at the edge of the pitch.

Some onlookers suggested Eto'o spat as he left the playing area.

And a bottle was reportedly thrown in the direction of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich as he walked in front of the visiting fans to celebrate in the Blues' dressing-room.

UEFA are already set to examine Chelsea claims that Rijkaard met referee Anders Frisk in his dressing-room in the first leg at the Nou Camp with their disciplinary committee to sit on March 24, when they will also consider two charges against Chelsea - Mourinho's failure to attend the post-match press conference in the Nou Camp and the Blues going out late for the second half.