Saints to investigate 'racist' chants after complaint

Southampton have opened an inquiry after claims that the Tottenham Hotspur striker Mido was racially abused during the Premiership game between the two sides last weekend.

Saints officials launched the internal investigation following a complaint from a supporter after chants were heard from the Northam Stand at St Mary's. It is understood that Mido, an Egypt international, received abuse about his Arabic origin. "Southampton FC take all matters of racial abuse very seriously. We will be looking into these allegations as a matter of urgency," a spokesman for Southampton said.

Mido, who played for 57 minutes of his side's 1-0 defeat, said: "I am here, England, to play football, help my team qualify to Europe and not to talk about politics."

* Maurice Johnston has pulled out of a charity match for former Old Firm players after Celtic fans threatened to boycott the event. The former Scotland striker caused controversy in 1989 when he joined Rangers having previously played for Celtic. He was to have played for both sides in the 23 March event at Hampden Park, which is being held to raise funds for motor neurone disease research. But he pulled out after Celtic fans made it clear they would stay away if he played.