Shame on you Russia - "Racism raises its ugly head"

Shame was brought to Russian football last week when the "living legend" that is Roberto Carlos was subjected to disgusting behaviour while playing for his club Anzhi in the Russian Premier league.  Anzhi hail from the little known yet volatile state of Dagestan, and it was somewhat of a surprise when Carlos joined them at the start of the season, especially considering he had plenty of lucrative offers from both Dubai and Brazil.  What isn't surprising though was the racism he suffered last week playing against Kyrila Sovetov when a banana was thrown his way from opposing fans.  This is not the first time something like this has happened to Carlos let alone Russian football. In March of this year a banana was offered to him by a Zenit St. Petersburg fan in a pre match ceremony.  So then hats off to Roberto Carlos for walking off the pitch with his head held high and refusing to play.  In my opinion Russia does not deserve to see such a legend grace their league.

So has it always been like this ?  I am afraid to say yes, racism in deep rooted in Russian football. Skinhead and gang culture are big in Russia and this is very much apart of alot of supporters life.  Some top flight clubs have to hire bodyguards to protect their black players ! Just ask Andrei Bikey who left Lokomotiv Moscow after constant racist abuse. Jo and Peter Odemwingie who had banners from their own fans wanting them to go and then one in particular thanking West Brom for signing him.

So what have the Russian FA done to stamp this behaviour out of their game, well not alot I'm afraid. Last time this happened fines of £6,500 and £10,000 were handed out, which to rich clubs like Zenit is not alot.  Russian FA spokesman Sergei Goldshtein said this week that Russian authorities have the right to take flares and fireworks off supporters at matches but can they really take fruit off fans ?  We are doing everything in our power to stop these acts, was another laughable suggestion  Well Mr. Goldshtein your efforts are obviously falling on deaf ears.  Russia needs a big culture change, but whats more worrying is the World Cup in 2018 and Russia on the world stage. The Russian authorities need to take a hard line stance and quick. They need record fines for clubs, close camera footage of supporters and life bans for supporters.  They need to start campaigning on all levels of media coverage, and get the most famous faces involves. 

Russian supporters, clubs and culture towards racism needs to change very soon or risk losing the game and its wonderful players forever.