Players’ racism fear for families

ENGLAND players are having serious reservations about taking loved ones to Russia amid fears of racism.

One of the major worries ahead of next month’s World Cup remains the threat of racial abuse given Russia’s historic problem with discrimination.

And it is understood members of Gareth Southgate’s multiethnic 23-man squad are worried about allowing close friends and family to fly out to Russia, for fear they could be targeted.

The FA are working closely with players to ensure family members who go to Russia are safe. Yet that has not prevented players from expressing serious concerns about the potential for racial abuse at the tournament.

Players will be provided with a full security briefing ahead of Russia once all 23 players have reported for duty at St George’s Park. They are likely to wait for full security details before deciding whether to bring loved ones with them.

Liverpool’s Under 17 World Cup winner Rhian Brewster made an official complaint earlier this season after alleged racial abuse from an opposing player during a game against Spartak Moscow in the UEFA youth league. The complaint was later dropped by UEFA.

World football’s governing body FIFA also investigated alleged racial abuse from Russian fans towards French players during the friendly between the two nations in March. ENGLAND Under 21 boss Aidy Bothroyd will call up Leicester’s Hamza Choudhury for the Toulon tournament. The 20-year-old will become the first player of Bangladeshi descent to represent England.