Pochettino angered by Partizan slur

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino was angered by the "unacceptable" anti-Semitic banner displayed by Partizan Belgrade fans in their Europa League opener.

A much-changed Spurs side got their Group C campaign off to a sturdy start by securing a hard-fought 0-0 draw in an intimidating atmosphere in the Serbian capital.

It was a solid performance overshadowed by an anti-Semitic banner in the home end, inspired by the ‘Only Fools and Horses’ logo.

The name was changed to ‘Only Jews and Pussies’ and was displayed throughout the match.

Uefa is investigating the issue pointed out to them by Tottenham officials, with a delegate from the governing body taking photographic evidence after the match.

“I didn’t see it,” Spurs boss Pochettino said. “The club is aware but I did not see [it myself].

“But if this is true, then it is an unacceptable thing. It is very disrespectful. This is a shame, very disrespectful and unacceptable.”

As for Partizan counterpart Marko Nikolic, he was filled with pride in the way his side frustrated Spurs.

The head coach, though, was clearly unaware of the issue surrounding the anti-Semitic banner when he thanked the crowd for their behaviour.

“I want to congratulate the crowd,” Nikolic said. “The support was great and not only great but everything went well.

“It was a wonderful, sporting environment without the slightest problem.”

Everton made a successful return to European football with a 4-1 victory over Wolfsburg at Goodison Park.

Manager Roberto Martinez showed he is taking the Europa League very seriously by naming a full-strength team and was rewarded with a perfect start to their Group H campaign.

Both teams were playing in Europe for the first time in five seasons but the hosts were the more clinical and, after an own goal from Ricardo Rodriguez in the 15th minute, Republic of Ireland defender Seamus Coleman netted just before half-time and Leighton Baines fired in a 48th-minute penalty, won by Ireland winger Aiden McGeady.

Tim Howard was the busiest player on the park in the second half but Kevin Mirallas rubbed salt in Wolfsburg’s wounds with a fourth goal late on before Rodriguez atoned for the own goal by finally beating the Everton keeper with a terrific free-kick.

Celtic keeper Craig Gordon conceded that Salzburg’s late equaliser was a moment of top quality as he declared himself happy with their 2-2 draw in Austria.

Wakaso Mubarak’s debut goal got the Bhoys off to a dream start in Group D and, after Alan equalised for the hosts, Celtic captain Scott Brown restored their lead on the hour mark.

It looked like the Hoops would see out the game, with Gordon making a series of great saves to keep Salzburg at bay, but he was helpless against Jonathan Soriano’s exquisite free-kick, which dipped and swerved on its way to the top corner.

“It’s a great strike,” said Gordon. “I said that to him at the end — he came up to me, shook my hand and smiled at me so I knew what he was getting at.”