England set to complain over racist taunts at Heskey

England’s World Cup qualifying win over Croatia was marred by racist abuse directed at England’s black striker Emile Heskey.

Monkey chants emanated from a section of the ground after Heskey was booked in the second half of the match, which England won 4-1, and the Wigan striker confirmed that he had heard them.

“You have to let the people above deal with that and I’ll carry on playing my game,” he said. “They are ignorant people, you have to ignore it and enjoy your game. Their players weren’t happy about it either.”

England’s Football Association are likely to register an official complaint with football’s world governing body FIFA, which has the power to impose sanctions on the Croatian federation over the conduct of some of their fans.