UEFA charges Lokomotiv Moscow over racist fan chants

NYON, Switzerland — UEFA has opened racism proceedings against Lokomotiv Moscow over fan chants at a Europa League game.

The Russian club has already issued an apology after anti-Albanian slogans were chanted during the 2-0 home win over Albanian club Skenderbeu on Thursday.

Russian nationalist football fan groups are typically strong supporters of Serbia’s claim to Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008 and is largely inhabited by ethnic Albanians.

UEFA’s disciplinary body could impose sanctions on Lokomotiv when it hears the case on Oct. 15.

On the same day the body will also discuss charges relating to Benfica’s Champions League game at Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

Benfica has been charged over crowd disturbances after fireworks were set off and objects thrown. The disciplinary proceedings against Atletico are over stairways being blocked.