Auxerre midfielder Kamel Chafni is to be the subject of an inquiry after allegations he was racially abused by a linesman.
Auxerre midfielder allegedly the subject of racial slur from linesman
Auxerre midfielder Kamel Chafni is to be the subject of a French Football League inquiry after allegations he was racially abused by a linesman during the defeat at Brest.
The Morocco international was sent off 10 minutes into the second half of the 1-0 loss in Ligue 1 for two yellow cards in quick succession.
According to the Auxerre website, this was prompted by Chafni complaining to linesman Johann Perraux that a free-kick had not been given for a foul on Roy Contout.
It was at this point, claimed Chafni, that he became the target of a racial slur by the linesman.
Calm and balanced
He then reportedly protested to the referee Tony Chapron, who subsequently sent him off.
Auxerre had called for an investigation and described Chafni as a "calm and balanced" player who had not been sent off in four-and-a-half years at the club.
Following consultation with Auxerre president Gerard Bourgoin, the league's head of referees Marc Batta and Chapron, league president Frederic Thiriez has ordered an inquiry be opened immediately.
A statement on French Football League's
official website read: "Following the match Stade Brest-AJ Auxerre on 17 December 2011, and the serious accusations made by the player of AJ Auxerre, Kamel Chafni, against an assistant referee, the president of the LFP has held talks with president of the AJA Gerard Bourgoin, the national director of referees Marc Batta, and the match referee Tony Chapron.
"Frederic Thiriez requested an investigation so that all light be shed as soon as possible on this case."
