The European Champions beat CSKA Sofia 3-1 in the first leg of their Champions' League third qualifying round, but it was marred by their black player Cisse being subjected to racist abuse by the Bulgarian fans.

Racism like this has been kicked out of English football, but it still seems to be prevalent on the Continent. In 2004, England's black players were subjected to monkey noises when they played Spain in Madrid - and that ruined Madrid's chances of hosting the 2012 Olympics.

Last night, it was the turn of the Bulgarians to make the monkey noises -


The Guardian

Cisse slams 'stupid' racists

'I'm a strong enough person to deal with this and I don't let it affect me'

Staff and agencies
Thursday August 11, 2005



Cisse in action during Liverpool's victory. Photograph: Milos Bicanski/Getty.

Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse has vowed not to be ground down after being subjected to racist abuse from the crowd in Bulgaria during Liverpool's 3-1 Champions League qualifying win over CSKA Sofia last night.

The matter is to be reported by Uefa delegate Trygve Borno and CSKA could face a disciplinary hearing next week if it is decided they have a case to answer.

Cisse, who scored the opening goal, said: "It is hurtful when it happens. It began when I tried to cross the ball they started to do all these monkey noises.

"It's a shame this happens but there are lots of stupid people sometimes at these games and as a player you can't do anything about it.

"You can say Uefa should take stronger action when it happens but I'm not sure what they can do about it. You can't really stop these kind of people doing this.

"Normally I don't have this kind of problem. This is the first time anything like this has happened to me in any game I've played.

"I'm a strong enough person to deal with this and I don't let it affect me. I'm just sad we have to talk about these issues rather than the football."

Uefa will make a decision on what action to take after receiving their report from Norwegian delegate Borno.

A statement from the European governing body read: "Uefa is aware that incidents of a racist nature have taken place at the CSKA Sofia-Liverpool match, and is waiting to receive the official delegate's report.

"At present, it seems probable that, should a disciplinary case be opened, it would be dealt with by the Uefa control and disciplinary body at their next meeting scheduled for August 18."

guardian.co.uk