England set to complain after racist abuse allegations

LONDON, Oct 11 (Reuters) England's Football Association are to contact UEFA after two Under-21 players suffered alleged racist abuse by Germany players in a playoff game, the FA said today.

Defender Anton Ferdinand and forward Micah Richards were allegedly abused in yesterday's European championship playoff in Leverkusen which England won 2-0, British media reported.

''Two of our players reported that they received racial abuse from Germany players,'' a Football Association spokesman said.

''It's a matter we raised with the UEFA delegate after the game and we will be formally communicating with UEFA in the next couple of days.'' Underlining the FA's commitment to tackling racism, he added: ''If any of our players are subject to racist abuse it's our duty to take that up with the relevant authorities -- and we will do that.'' A UEFA spokesman said today it was reserving comment until it received the match referee and delegate reports, which are expected by the end of the week.

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