Argentine striker Lopez accused of racism

RIO DE JANEIRO: Argentine striker Maxi Lopez of Gremio was accused of racism by midfielder Elicarlos of Cruzeiro after the team's Libertadores Cup semifinal first leg on Wednesday.

"The striker Maxi Lopez called me a macaco (monkey), he said that to me," Elicarlos told reporters after Cruzeiro's 3-1 victory in Belo Horizonte, adding that he would report the incident to the police.

Elicarlos, who is black, and former River Plate and Barcelona striker Lopez had a heated argument on the pitch during the first half of the match at the Mineirao with other angry Cruzeiro players also getting involved.