Football
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FA launches racism probe toward Middlesbrough fans

The Football Association is investigating an allegation of racial abuse during Middlesbrough's game with Blackburn last weekend after Rovers striker Rudy Gestede appeared to react angrily to a gesture from the crowd.

Gestede scored a dramatic and controversial equaliser five minutes into stoppage time in a contest which ended 1-1, with his late leveller denying Boro a spot in the Championship's top two.

Following the final whistle Gestede seemed visibly upset by something which came from a section of the home support and was pictured appearing to mimic a gesture to his Rovers team-mates.

The incident was included in referee Mark Clattenburg's report and on receiving that evidence, an FA spokesman confirmed to Press Association that the national governing body has reached out to both clubs to ask for their observations.

It follows Tuesday's news that Boro boss Aitor Karanka has been charged by the FA for alleged improper conduct after he was sent to the stands by Clattenburg in the aftermath of Gestede's goal.

Boro were incensed that the Rovers goal was allowed to stand after goalkeeper Dimi Konstantopoulos appeared to have been fouled as he went up for the decisive cross.

In his post-match news conference, Karanka stated Clattenburg sent him from the dugout for pushing the fourth official David Coote, an allegation the Spaniard denies.

"I don't know the steps here in England because it's my first time but I am ready to explain my position," Karanka told Middlesbrough's official website.

"I read that I pushed the fourth official or did a lot of things that are not true; I argued with the fourth official. I don't know if I have to speak to somebody to explain my behaviour."

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