In the least surprising but most disappointing I have to write today the French sports minister has called on FIFA to act after alleged racism towards France's black players during the game against Russia on Tuesday night.
Let's not beat around any bushes. FIFA's record against racism isn't exactly great, anyone in breach of it usually gets a slap on the wrist and a fine akin to someone charging you a penny on pay-day.
Russia itself doesn't exactly have a record of inclusivity and there's plenty of examples why people of differing colours, creeds and sexuality could feel uncomfortable about a trip to the World Cup this summer.
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On Tuesday night the Russian's continued their pre-tournament plans by hosting one of the favourites to lift the trophy, France, in a friendly in St Petersburg. Paul Pogba added to Kylian Mbappe's brace in a 3-1 win for the visitors.
Despite enjoying themselves from a playing point of view the French would not have enjoyed themselves overall with alleged racist chanting from Russian fans including quite audible monkey chants when Pogba was in possession.
French Sports Minister Laura Flessel. called for action saying on Twitter, "Racism has no place on the soccer field. We should act together at a European and international level in order to stop this intolerable behavior."
The head of the anti-discrimination group Fare Network, which helps FIFA with racism cases, Piara Powar did confirm there was enough to start an investigation, saying, "There should be enough there for FIFA to initiate proceedings. If photographers heard it pitch-side, then there must have been stewards and other officials who also heard it.
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"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."
Of course any sanctions won't mean that Russia is any danger of losing the World Cup despite the fact that it goes against all the Kick Racism Out of Football campaigns and all the other good done in the sport.
It's a sorry state of affairs in international football and it's about time that Russia were handed a proper punishment!
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Paul Pogba, Football News, Russia 2018, FIFA, World Cup, France, Russia
