French league to probe 'racist linesman' claims

PARIS - The president of France's Professional Football League (LFP), Frederic Thiriez, on Sunday called for an investigation into claims Auxerre's Kamel Chafni was racially abused by a linesman.

Chafni, a Morocco international, was sent off following an altercation with the assistant referee, Johann Perruaux, in the 55th minute of Auxerre's 1-0 loss at Brest in the French top flight on Saturday.

The midfielder had to be restrained by his teammates, as well as players from Brest, and as he left the pitch, following a delay of five minutes, he told television cameras he had been the victim of racist abuse.