DICK ADVOCAAT was forced to field questions over fears Rangers' black players could be subjected to racist abuse from the Russian fans in Manchester tonight.
Zenit have never signed a black player in their 83-year history, and Russian newspapers quoted the former Ibrox boss as saying Zenit fans would revolt if they ever did.
Zenit's fans were accused of abusing Marseille's black players earlier in the competition.
But Advocaat said: "I didn't say that. There is no problem at all. I don't think we should be discussing this. This is a football match - it is not about colour. We don't think about that.
"It has become a little bit of an issue but I don't know why. It is not an issue at Zenit and there are black players in Russia."
Rangers manager Walter Smith said: "We have had our own issues trying to adjust to a sectarian problem and I'm sure they will try to adjust to any problems they might have."
Uefa have warned Zenit's players that the referee has the power to delay the game if any player is racially abused.
Spokesman William Gaillard said: "There will be zero tolerance. The referee is perfectly in his rights to interrupt the game and not start again until any problem is resolved."
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