Europe’s football governing body, UEFA, has opened an investigation into alleged racial abuse on Ghana’s Andre Ayew and two Olympique Marseille players.

Ghana's Andre Ayew was among the players targeted by spectators at the UEFA Cup Round of 16 second leg against FC Zenit St. Petersburg in Russia on Wednesday in a match which Marseille lost 2-0 and meant they were knocked out of the Uefa Cup on away goals.

Andre Ayew, Ronald Zubar and Charles Kabore were targeted by some Russian fans as the trio were warming up on the touchline for the last 16 second round tie.

“If the investigation produces any findings, the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body would examine the matter at its meeting on Thursday 20 March,” a UEFA statement read.

Article 11bis of the UEFA disciplinary regulations says that various sanctions may be imposed on clubs whose supporters insult the human dignity of a person or group of persons by whatever means, including on grounds of colour, race, religion or ethnic origin.