Scottish round-up:Uefa confirmed yesterday it will launch an immediate investigation into FK Zeta's Champions League qualifying match against Rangers on Tuesday night, when racist abuse was aimed at two of the Scottish club's players from sections of the crowd. DaMarcus Beasley and Jean-Claude Darcheville were subjected to monkey chants for persistent periods of Rangers' 1-0 victory in Montenegro.
The matter has been reported by Jean-Marie Philips, Uefa's official delegate at the tie, and William Gaillard, the spokesman for European football's governing body, confirmed, "We have decided to open an investigation as there were many witnesses who reported the problems. Our policy is zero tolerance towards racism."
Rangers, while aware of the actions of a minority of the home support at the Pod Goricom Stadium, have declined to make any official comment on the matter but have said they will assist Uefa with their investigation.
The Ibrox club have been fined twice in the last two years after supporters indulged in sectarian chanting during European matches, and it is believed they are reluctant to be seen as taking any moral high ground by commenting on the actions of another club's fans.
Beasley, however, said in the immediate aftermath of the game he was "sickened" by the abuse. The US winger and Darcheville are expected to supply written testimony to Rangers and Uefa. "When we are subjected to something like monkey noises I feel that's not right," Darcheville said.
Zeta's case will not be helped by the fact some of the supporters issuing the abuse are understood to have been sitting near Philips; yet the most likely action is a fine.
Rangers officials, meanwhile, will spend the remainder of this week meeting with supporters' groups after sectarian chants were once again audible during last weekend's match at Inverness. The Scottish Premier League are investigating the episode, with Rangers mulling over the possibility of banning their own followers from away matches.
Celtic have also warned fans they must not "indulge nor encourage" any songs or chants that could land the club in trouble. In a letter sent to fans allocated tickets for Saturday's league match at Falkirk, the Parkhead club warned of the potential implications of stepping out of line.
The letter explained: "We should not underestimate how serious this could be. Your support has earned the club worldwide recognition for its good nature and the passion with which you get behind the team, let's ensure that this is maintained this season."
It added: "We are a non-political and non-sectarian organisation and we ask in the strongest possible terms you do not indulge or encourage songs or chants or any other form of behaviour which could in any way bring the club into disrepute."
The club have warned they will take season-ticket passes away from any supporter who is identified as an offender and issue indefinite bans from future matches.
Celtic midfielder Thomas Gravesen may seek a transfer in January if he has not won a regular starting place, according to his agent. The 31-year-old has found himself sidelined by Gordon Strachan and was not even on the bench for the team's opening SPL draw with Kilmarnock on Sunday.
"The only reason Thomas has stayed with Celtic is because of how much he loves the club," his agent, John Sivebaek, said. "He's not getting a chance and it's my personal opinion he is being frozen out. If, come the next transfer window, he's not playing, we'd have to consider our options."
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