• Home fans directed racist chants at Tottenham's black players
• Chelsea and Newcastle join Tottenham in Europa League draw
In contrast to the gloom and doom of the Champions League it was a satisfying night for British teams in the Europa League as Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Newcastle United all made it through to the quarter-finals on Thursday.
However, Spurs' victory was marred by racist chants directed at their black players during their 4-1 defeat by Internazionale and a supporter in the home section at San Siro was seen waving an inflatable banana during the game. The 4-4 draw on aggregate saw Spurs progress through Emmanuel Adebayor's away goal and leaves the Italians facing likely action from Uefa.
Afterwards André Villas-Boas confirmed that Tottenham were aware of the chants during the game. "Uefa is set out to act on this situation," the manager said. "It is very sensitive situation. It was very easy to hear the chanting. It is a difficult situation for Inter Milan. It is something that has happened before. It doesn't mar the game but it is something that should be avoided."
The presence of the inflatable had a pre-cooked edge to it: last month Inter fans abused Mario Balotelli during the Milan derby, waving the same kind of inflatable banana, some of which were, according to some reports, on sale outside the stadium before that match.
Nor is it the first time Spurs have had such problems against Italian sides this season. Lazio, who are in Friday's quarter-final draw, were fined for racist chanting during their Group J match at White Hart Lane in September and were again fined in November's return game.
Fernando Torres had an eventful night as Chelsea beat Steaua Bucharest 3-1 at Stamford Bridge. The fitful Spanish striker scored the decisive goal, missed a penalty and had his nose bloodied as the Blues went through 3-2 on aggregate.
Papiss Cissé left it late at St James' Park, heading the only goal over two legs in the fourth minute of added time as Newcastle United saw off Anzhi Makhachkala.
Read more... http://www.chelseamashup.com/2013/03/17/tottenham-hotspurs-win-at-internazionale-marred-by-racist-chants/
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