The problem of racism in Scottish and Russian soccer

The Scottish Football Association has denied claims that Brazil star Neymar was racially abused during the game at Emirates Stadium in London.

The incident took place during a match between Brazil and Scotland on Sunday. Brazil's 19-year-old striker Neymar, who scored two goals into the Scottish gate, said he was the victim of racist jeers. A banana was thrown at him in the 83d minute of the game.

The Scottish Football Association says there was no evidence of racial behavior among Scottish fans but did confirm that Neymar was booed for 'perceived unsporting behavior'. Former player of the Scottish international team PAT Nevin explained that the booing was a result of Neymar's playacting. After each clash Neymar would fall down with expression of bitter pain on his face but in just a few seconds he got better and continued the game. Nevin says Scottish fans are known for their impeccable behavior during matches. This time annoyance was caused by Neymar's playacting and not his skin color.

However, there were signs of racist behavior among Scottish fans during the match with Brazil. Throwing bananas at black players on European soccer fields has long been a sign of racist abuse. Unfortunately, such incidents are not rare in Russia. A banana was recently thrown at Roberto Carlos, a legendary player of Brazil origin, when he played for 'Anzhi' club from Makhachkala, North Caucasus, against 'Zenit' of Saint Petersburg. The incident provoked outrage among football fans all over the world. The Russian Football Union Commission on Ethics said it would rebuke 'Zenit' for its fans' behavior.

Quite often colored players face racist attitude on Russian soccer fields. In view of this, some foreign countries even called on FIFA to strip Russia of its right to host the 2018 World Cup.

Actually, in Russia such incidents happen as often as they do in Europe. The Russian Football Union is not going to turn a blind eye on racist behavior.

Commenting on the Brazil-Scotland match in London, Brazil midfielder for "Liverpool" Lucas Leiva said: "There is no more space for racism in the world. They say it's the first world here in Europe, but it is where it happens the most, That has to change. Everybody is equal today. It's a matter of respect".

It is hard to argue against this opinion. But to fight racism is even harder. Thus all national football association should join efforts to prevent further cases of racial abuse on soccer fields. Of course, it will take time but the game is worth the candle.

Source: http://english.ruvr.ru/2011/03/30/48202518.html

 

I don't understand why it is anyway, but it appears that racism is a global issue, not really exclusive to just the United States and European countries. We've got to keep drilling what I put in bold into the heads of these people so they can wise up and finally get it. How long can this kind of thinking (racism/division) last in society?

 

It's ridiculous the amount of race-baiting and racist behavior takes place in the stands at soccer matches. England has been the most aggressive in tackling the issue head-on, with an official campaign, relentless advertising and the use of famous players, both black and white to challenge fans to respond to their better selves. More of this needs to happen.

 

I can't imagine!!

And the rest of the word wonders why Americans have a 'superiority complex'!!

 

It is sad such events exist in the 21st Century. I question the Football Organizions for turning a blind eye to such acts by fans. I remember seeing it on Real Sports years back.

 

I think the US is just as bad, the only thing is that people are much more comfortable here with being hypocrites, and paying lip service to not being racist when they really are. It only takes one incident for all the pent-up hostilities to come spilling out, whether it's the current president, the OJ trial, or anything else. It's never far from the surface. I give other countries credit for at least admitting it and taking direct proactive steps to stop it.