New Russia race fears
RUSSIA was back in the dock last night over claims their fans racially abused Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante.
FIFA have launched an investigation after monkey chanting was heard during France’s 3-1 win over Russia in St Petersburg on Tuesday.
It comes less than three months before the country hosts the World Cup and amid rising tensions between Russia and the rest of the world over the poisoning of spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Salisbury.
A pitchside photographer first reported the abuse, which was also picked up on a television broadcast after Manchester United midfielder Pogba scored France’s second goal.
Chelsea star Kante was also abused when he took a throw-in. A statement from world football’s governing body said: “FIFA is collecting potential evidence in regards to the discriminatory incident reported in the media.”
It is the third racism case this season at St Petersburg Stadium, which will host a World Cup semi-final.
Zenit St Petersburg has twice been charged by UEFA for racism by its fans in Europa League games. Supporters flew
a banner praising convicted war criminal Ratko Mladic when playing against a Macedonian club in November.
They are also accused of using a racially charged term to mock an injured black player in a game against Leipzig.
Piara Powar, head of the anti-discrimination Fare Network, claimed the latest allegations raise serious questions over how Russia will tackle racism at the World Cup. Powar said: “If some photographers heard it pitchside, then there must have been stewards and other officials who also heard it.
“If, toward the end of March, these guys don’t know what to do, and they’re not initiating procedures and protocols that exist, then that doesn’t bode very well for the World Cup.
“So close to the World Cup, questions are being asked as to why it wasn’t dealt with as it occurred during play.”