Zenit St. Petersburg captain Anatoly Tymoschuk has called on the side`s fans to take part in a club program aimed at combating racism in the game, Zenit`s official website said on Wednesday.

Zenit were at the centre of a media storm last year when reports claimed that the side`s manager, Dutch trainer Dick Advocaat, was unable to buy dark-skinned players because the club`s fans would not allow him to do so.

"It is no secret that soccer is one of the world`s most popular sports," Tymoschuk, who is set to join German giants Bayern Munich this summer, said. "We must not forget to show respect to players. It is of no importance what race the player is - what is important is what he can do on the pitch. We should show the upmost courtesy to people who live and play side-by-side with us."

Zenit are presenting their `Soccer For Everyone` program at a UEFA-organized `Unite Against Racism` conference in Warsaw that opened on Tuesday. The Zenit program involves cooperation with schools and a number of events in the city, often cited as one of the most dangerous in Russia for dark-skinned foreigners and Russians.

"As Zenit captain, I urge you to take part in the club`s program in the struggle against racism, and I hope that our joint action can help eliminate this shameful development. Remember - soccer is a game for everyone. It is a way of expressing your talent and your love. Play football and be courteous!" the Ukrainian international said.

The current UEFA Cup holders have never fielded a black player, although they have had two Koreans and a Turk on their books in recent seasons.
sections: Sport