Blackburn manager Mark Hughes said striker Benni McCarthy was racially abused by an opponent during Thursday's 2-1 UEFA Cup win at Wisla Krakow.

Hughes the club will complain to European soccer's governing body on behalf of the South Africa international.

``Benni was upset by a number of personal comments directed at him by one of their players,'' Hughes said after the match in Poland. ``It happened right throughout the game. Benni, to his credit, did not react to them.''

Hughes said McCarthy spoke to Krakow players and referee Stefan Johannesson at halftime, but more comments were still made.

``UEFA should take as strong action as they are allowed to do,'' Hughes said. ``It is important we highlight these things when they happen because there is no place for them.''

If found Wisla is found guilty of racism, punishments range from a warning to disqualification from future competition.

``Benni McCarthy has been in the game for a long time now, playing at the top level, so we have no reason to doubt his word,'' UEFA director of communications William Gaillard said. ``The problem will be finding the hard evidence to pass sanctions.''