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A banner carrying racist connotations created by Lokomotiv Moscow fans ©PHOTO CREDIT
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Racism is horrible: to use more elaborate phraseology is to soften the sentiment. The issue has appeared on West Brom's agenda for the first time in This Blog's memory following the arrival of Peter Odemwingie from Lokomotiv Moscow, which prompted a group of Lokomotiv’s fans to create a banner celebrating his exit, using a banana as a pretty appalling, derogatory reference to his race.
Examples of racism at football grounds like this one demonstrate two sad realities: that tribalism - a player leaves a club and is instantly vilified by a whole group of people - still overrides basic human decency all too often in football and that some people, even in 2010, carry prejudices based on race.
Cautiously, and being parochial, we can take some pleasure in declaring that tribalism is at least under control in English football. Players moving clubs remain objects of derision, but increasingly irony is attached and racial attacks are a rarity, never tolerated or defended, as the Russian federation has attempted to do in the case of the Odemwingie banner. The Hawthorns in particular has always been a tolerant place to play football, with the policy 'if you're good enough, we'll get behind you' brilliantly optimistic and fair.
The second disturbing reality though - that some people say and do racist things for no reason but a failure of logic - is more difficult to glean positives from. These people are still out there - judging others on superficial grounds such as race. And dealing with them is, ultimately, just a sad, seemingly futile, venture that leads to frustration and disappointment.
Logic fails to reach some, but we shouldn't accept it – on principal.
Education is initially a compelling tool against prejudice and, when it fails, punishment, like banning perpetrators from grounds, is the way to rid football of ugly, twisted, embarrassing racism - that depressing blot on its glorious tapestry.
We can but hope that the creators of the banner above will recieve a serious enough punishment as to stop anyone following in their tiny footsteps.
Peter Odemwingie has, happily, come to a place where his footballing ability is what he will be judged on, and his debut goal suggests a pleasing verdict.
Comments
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Posted by shollie on 08/28/2010
this is serious.despite dat odewengie peter osaze is a russian born.how much more africans.anyway,FIFA need to do something to rectified this indiscipline act.
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Posted by Josh on 08/28/2010
Truly disgusting and barbaric,for a country of Russia's statutes which contributed so much to the beautiful game to have citizens of this nature is so demoralizing. This cavemanic behavior must not go unpunished,the assholes involved MUST be made to
pay for this.This is a dark day in football history and should not be forgotten everrr!!!!!
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Posted by Josh on 08/28/2010
Truly disgusting and barbaric,for a country of Russia's statutes which contributed so much to the beautiful game to have citizens of this nature is so demoralizing. This cavemanic behavior must not go unpunished,the assholes involved MUST be made to
pay for this.This is a dark day in football history and should not be forgotten everrr!!!!!
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Posted by Ethan Dean-Richards on 08/28/2010
Do remember though, that making generalisations about Russia and Russian people is along the same lines as making generalisations about different 'races'.
It's easy - and reasonable - to get angry about things like this, but do be wary of the trap - you can end up perpetuating prejudice as much as those people who created the banner.
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Posted by Chukka on 08/28/2010
Mr. Ethan, I do appreciate the way you ended your comments. Two foul mouthed remarks can never make one decent opinion. It's sad the Age Of Reason has not yet dawned on some.
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Posted by cmr on 08/28/2010
The Russian federation should step in and fine the team. There is no place for racism in football, this needs to be dealt with. But the problem is more wide spread than people think it is. Look at the comments on this board, people are condemning racism by Russians, while stating completely appalling thins against Russians. "I hate Russian as a nation" etc...
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Posted by Andy Best on 08/28/2010
It is not acceptable for such things to still happen in the current civilised world. I think that if these fans had had a deeper thought, they would have reconsidered their actions.
I believe the Russian government has lots to do so that such an ugly incident does not repeat.
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Posted by michael rodrigues on 08/28/2010
i agree racism is ugly and indefensible. neverthleless we must continue to speak out against it. unfortunately there will always those who you will continue to behave in this manner.
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Posted by injektilo on 08/28/2010
is the the first case....remember kebe(cska) who was complaining of not being able to walk the streets of moscow in 2003,only in st. petersburg where the marseille player were thrown bananas(2007).i'm sure it will not be the last time we hear about those sad stories!the people who are responsible of this stupidity are really frustrated and live in a country which gives them less and less hope where the rich is getting richer!!!!
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Posted by ifeanyi osuji on 08/28/2010
These Russians are starving,they are just showing the world how envious they are of what peter earned their while they starve,banana representation is what desire,i espect peter to donate just wat he earns in a day to them,so they eat nd quench
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Posted by rahmon on 08/28/2010
russia is the worst racism country in the world i hate them i pray never in my live to go there or meet any person there all NATION PLS STAY CLEAR FROM RUSSIA THEY ARE BAD COUNTRY TO GO
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Posted by Steve on 08/28/2010
This goes to show to the world how backward Russia is. I guess they are still living in old stone age.FIFA should rise up to this occassion, enough is enough !!!
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Posted by Ethan Dean-Richards on 08/28/2010
Again, it's important not to generalise about Russia as a whole - this banner was made by a dozen fans and therefore not a reflection of 'Russia' or its people.
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Posted by ugoo on 08/28/2010
fuckk them rrrrrrusians.every thing bout them is racism. see what their police men do to innocent blacks over there. idiotssssss. osaze no mind them u are where ur good work would be appreciated
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Posted by dsk on 08/28/2010
When last did a Russian team win any major trophy, particularly in Europe? A nation or people who prides in catigating and debasing a fellow human have shut her doors against growth.
The Russian Football Federation, EUFA and FIFA need to meet and ensure perpetrators of racism do not go unpunished.
Peter, you are welcome to the home of football,England.Each time your are on the pitch, always remember that some people somewhere never wished you well.
WBA is solidly behinde you. Keep banging in goals to justify your move and silence the racist.
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Posted by gjoe on 08/28/2010
i lives here in Russia and is a normal thing for them.Imagine u playing for a club and u can't walk on street unless u are with your coach or police.Fifa plz plz and plz Russia can never host World cup.
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Posted by dsk on 08/28/2010
Locomotive Mos'cow'. These people are cows from their name. How do you expect a cow to behave?
Peter, don't mind them. keep up the good work in WBA.
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Posted by emeka on 08/28/2010
It's so sad that this kind of thing is happening; someone who has contributed so much to the game in your country is being paid back with abuse and contempt- so appalling. Let us not forget that football is a common thing that brings people of different ethnic, social, and economic classes together. Let all remember, even those that still critize the Russians, that they have their own bad sides to this.
However, it's high time that racism, not only in football, stopped. The football authorities of the concerned nation should critically look into that and not treat it with sentiments or neglect.
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Posted by rick james on 08/28/2010
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Posted by Ethan Dean-Richards on 08/28/2010
@Rick: At least you're consistent with 'everyone'
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Posted by original21 on 08/28/2010
Why must people allow themselves to be offended by such obvious attempts to provoke... offense?! Race is to Genetics as trepanning is to modern surgery. Allowing oneself to be offended by racism is as illogical as the racism itself.
Until we value our education more than our entertainment, we will continue to find such blatant examples of mental vacuousness.
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Posted by Anonymous on 08/28/2010
Since Peter is half russian, then them racist,primitive and uneducated creatures who are calling him names, need to eat half of the banana.lol. Don't be mad citizens of the world laugh at them. Don't give them racist MF the satisfaction they are looking for.
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Posted by Kasusu on 08/28/2010
Its extremely demotivating witnessing the extent of human stupidity, idiocy and an obvious display of racism.
There is no excuse for such racism, and I expect FIFA to take very frim actions to ensure such derogatory behaviours do not flourish.
It is sad fact, that this isnt the work of one person, but a GROUP of idiots without an ounce of brain. It is high time that such attitudes are strongly fought against.
Keep your head up Ode..let fools remain fools. They can take the banana and shove it up their asses.
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Posted by GP on 08/28/2010
Disgusting. Unfortunately racism often begets more racism, just look at a few of the comments about Russians in these forums.I recall the racist taunting from the terraces that trailblazers like Stan Horne, Clyde Best, Brendan Batson and so many others had to endure: my first exposure to mass racism. Here we are around 50 years later and people take the trouble to create a racist banner. Racism is illogical, irrational and all too easy for people to be led into. When people make racist comments in your presence call them on it: it is amazing how often you will hear weak justifications straight from right wing radio.
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Posted by Salihu on 08/28/2010
At a time when the world feelings are with russians for unfortunate events happening in that region, its really unfortunate that a section of its citizens will act in such a manner towards someone who could easily have been a citizen or even gone ahead to play football for its national team. shame on whoever has anything to do with that banner-nas
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Posted by solomon on 08/28/2010
let us make man in our own image and likeness. by Gods grace we will play them in international competition and we will defeat them. if they like they should bring banana o plaintain. long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria. i love my race.
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Posted by denise on 08/28/2010
well emeka it seems that,thats not what it is for them in other words the aim is defeated and If they have accepted to remain stagnant then thats for them we nigerians will keep moving forward.FIFA we hope looks into this
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Posted by nic huss on 08/28/2010
its unbelievable how some idiots think! russia is probably in stone ages, no wonder that's why they have not won any majors in football. idiot russians!
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Posted by Ike on 08/28/2010
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Posted by Jehu da Futbol on 08/28/2010
Let's make it plain. football will soon be back and better in Africa for good and thus, racism will be no more. Russia (and her partners in humanity crime) hasn't being my best of destinations. And as for the natural punishment, they are in the 'cold dark age'. Only England, French and some other nations in Europe has come to terms that Black is beautiful. as for the rest, God save them. I Hope Russia never hosts the world cup because they've shown a clear statement of intent that they are unfit to host humans but animals so that more 'bananas' will be shared. Wake up FIFA!!!
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Posted by Anonymous on 08/28/2010
I want to believe this issue has been brought to the knopwledge of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Africa must work against Russia, and indeed any other nation where African children are molested because of who they are, to send a strongly worded message to these unfortunate fans. Apart from this incident, Nigerians in Russia always complain of the kind of insults and humiliation they receive. Africa has one of the largest block votes in FIFA. There is no way Africans will go to Russia for a World Cup and ugly incidences like this will not rear its head. CAF must wake up from its slumber and ensure that our children do not continue to receive these insults anywhere anymore. A strong message must be to use this incidence to cast protest votes against Russia.
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Posted by Oga Okey on 08/28/2010
I want to believe this issue has been brought to the knowledge of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Africa must work against Russia, and indeed any other nation where African children are molested because of who they are, to send a strongly worded message to these unfortunate fans. Apart from this incident, Nigerians in Russia always complain of the kind of insults and humiliation they receive. Africa has one of the largest block votes in FIFA. There is no way Africans will go to Russia for a World Cup and ugly incidences like this will not rear its head. CAF must wake up from its slumber and ensure that our children do not continue to receive these insults anywhere anymore. A strong message must be to use this incidence to cast protest votes against Russia.
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Posted by Jay on 08/28/2010
Well all i have to say is that these people are heavily retarded in their self development, and can never see pass their noses.They are small minded people and should be left alone to wallow in their small world.Lets all please talk about more important things and pray for them.
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Posted by zwelo on 08/28/2010
this should affect their World Cup bid. Although i doubt that this is a centiment of all Russians.
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Posted by kkkkkkkkkkk on 08/28/2010
IT'S A WORK OF VODUKAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.
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Posted by Get_Rid_of_The_KREMLINS on 08/29/2010
Well, it's not alright to GENERALIZE, but it seems to me Russians never cease to Amaze Me, they always tend to prove me right all the time. Such a RACIST NATION... Enough Said.
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Posted by phil on 08/29/2010
they keep doing that they're going to lose good black players
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Posted by detlog on 08/29/2010
Some people here are as dumb as those racist russians.
To initiate your defense against that kind of prejudice, you go out and state that you "HATE THE RUSSIANS" ... That's exactly the same kind of prejudice you're condemning and you're not doing anything better than those racist people did, you're doing the exact same thing, actually.
It's a different form or racism actually, with nationality instead of color.
Aside from that, in UK there isn't displays of racism such as those, it's true. However, british still are seen having the mentality that leads them to believe that some countries and some continents have less intelligent people living in it or something similar to that, which is just as bad.
Instead of just going against prejudice against color, we should go against every kind of prejudice, even some that are still not highlighted the way this article is doing right now.
And by the way, people always will have a certain degree of prejudice against certain things, no matter what
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Posted by Zac Kenworthy on 08/29/2010
This is really sad. I must say however that Russia does have a serious problem with racism. This is not an over-generalization either. Look at the numerous BBC, 60 Minutes and CNN reports on the barbaric treatment of immigrants, particularly Africans in the nation and the rampant success of Far-Right Neo Nazi groups. Such groups have even been successful at the polls and hold seats in parliament, and part of their platforms include statements about race and immigrants that are disgusting. I would be appalled if FIFA gave the 2018 World Cup to Russia. Some may argue that such a tournament could be the perfect anecdote to the problem. I disagree. FIFA prides itself on the "NO RACISM" campaign. Countries must learn this basic and common decency before they can be rewarded. We cannot award a WC to a nation in hopes of stamping out such a rampant problem. The problem must be rectified before the races of the world descend for such a massive and momentous occasion.
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Posted by Anon on 08/29/2010
FIFA must not give the world cup to Russia. If FIFA is serious about kicking racism out of football they should reject Russia's bid for the world cup immediately.
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Posted by ben on 08/29/2010
where is this country called russia? do they exist in this world at all . i bet not .they are ruxenophobians .............bigots .........
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Posted by jyde on 08/29/2010
Not just the Russian federation, but UEFA and FIFA shlf look into this. It is totally acceptable
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Posted by Weedras on 08/29/2010
What's sad about this situation is that this will either go unpunished or the club will get a slap on the wrist meaning a cheap fine which they can easily pay. i've seen it with spanish clubs and italian clubs who do such things and all fifa and uefa do is fine them a couple bucks which they easily pay, if they are unwilling to hit these clubs where it hurts then they have no reason to try an stamp out such behavior. i've seen clubs come out more against the vuvuzela than they have about racism... its a damn shame..
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Posted by Como on 08/29/2010
Racism in football is not limited to the Russians only, it is also common in some Italian clubs. I hope he gets to go back there one day with West brom or any other club and score the goal that will take them out of a key competition. However we must remember that this banner may not be a true reflection of the feelings a majority of Lokomotiv fans may have for him.
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Posted by king kong on 08/29/2010
guys guys take it easy i really dont see anything offensive in dat especially knowin dat most russians are uncivilized ,well banana reprsents the abundant and good food in nigeria unlike them that are starving in russia so hate all they want so whoever made dat banner knows that pete will alrways make enuf money to feed them and thier generations to come
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Posted by Steve on 08/29/2010
Not surprising at all. I used to go to Russian soccer matches (mostly Spartak) and the crowd would light flares before the game began, throw them onto the pitch while still lit and they ended up hitting police and police dogs. Fans from opposing teams are separated by rows of more police, and when you exit the stadium, the streets are lined with police escorting you to the metro stations. Everyone is drunk, smoking and speaking in expletives.
It's not just the racism that needs cleaning up - it's the entire football culture they have there.
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Posted by Tukur on 08/29/2010
This kind of thing doesn't even offend me anymore. What do you expect from a mob of rabid peasants? They can draw all the bananas they want, and I'll even admire the artwork. When the problems will start is when someone tries to lay a finger on me or mine in the name of racism. Then they'll learn (with extreme vehemence) that they're not the only ones capable of barbarism.
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Posted by Ifeanyi on 08/29/2010
I am still waiting for our government back here in Nigeria to do something! Russians naturally are unfriendly and barbaric.
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Posted by antirussia on 08/29/2010
please guys dont say things like that, is on fair, recism has been there for a long period of time, like usa, england, france, germans and others, but that is how thier mentality was then, before they come back to thier nomal thinking and i am happy that with africans in thier mix and thier blood, now they are one of the greatest countries in the world, russian are still third world, and they will still be untill they come back to thier nomal thinking, africans are coming up to top russians, they watch sauth africa 2010, thou that they did not come becouse of thier recism mentality problem that dont allow them to come to world cup and americans have teach them one example when they are ussr and africa will still teach them another lesson.
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Posted by Kurrajong on 08/29/2010
Wat some section of the Lokomotiv Moscow fans did was totally unacceptable but to crucify Russia as a nation is equally unacceptable.
Honestly, you are telling me there is no Racism in England esp in some football grounds?
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Posted by krestedvee on 08/29/2010
and thy are hoping to host the world cup, this should really affect their world cup bid or is it a conspiracy
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Posted by Ivan on 08/29/2010
Totally agree that racism is unacceptable. What's alarming is why Soccernet has done nothing so far to remove some of the nationalist postings here that directly and openly abuse russian nation as a whole? Unfortunately this is a clear indication that people holding racist and nationalist views are everywhere.
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Posted by Joseph on 08/29/2010
Maybe they thought he was the one who ignited the wild fire thats burning off all the place in Russia, God who made people black and white knows why. Russia had better turn to the Almighty God. Racism in today's life is unfair
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Posted by emma on 08/29/2010
race is in their blood, its flows in their vains..... can't be avoided, so obviously they can't host the world. how can someone invite you in his/her house while you're not welcome?
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Posted by baller on 08/29/2010
This is utterly disgusting, the club must react to this else it will continue, maybe I should yell out thus: ""I guess it's the bare chested attic foxes in the background that posted that. maybe they too need some carrion!!"" but it wont solve the situation, in-fact i would be doing exactly what they did!! the irony!!
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Posted by classic on 08/29/2010
This is sad..do they think they can win hosting rights 4 d world cup with this show of shame, defence by the club officials and inaction of the government? I think the russian pple shld be wholely blamed bcus those tyrannts that spread that banner wont be so bold if they felt they wld lose favor with locomotive fans and the russian public
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Posted by azeez on 08/29/2010
this is totally unacceptable! racism n prejudice suppose to be a thing of the past in a country like russia but it's sad seeing this kind of incidence occuring in a country which once held the power of the world and this no doubt is a reflection of their society. who knows how many nigerians would have been harrassed and brutalised over there in russia? I hope FIFA won't look away from this saddastic attitude by ensuring that the appropriate punishment is given to the party invovled. The Nigerian dream is abt to come to raelity so the outside world BEWARE!
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Posted by troop on 08/29/2010
Haha, haters, even though racism blossoms in the US. Shut up Yanks..
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Posted by Dante on 08/29/2010
It's so sad that in today's world, people still hold strong to stereotypes and prejudices as regards another's race and ethnicity. Appalling more when Odemwingie's mum is from the old USSR and they still don't see him as one of them.
Racism is killing the one game that we all love. As Africans, our interest in the european game stated when our own boys started travelling to europe to play and so we always want to keep tabs on their progress by following their leagues.
I hope FIFA steps in to right this wrongs. It is a disgrace!!
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Posted by Ethan Dean-Richards on 08/29/2010
@Ivan: I'm knew at this and didn't really expect to have to be removing comments - thus I was a bit slow to get onto it - but I'm onto it now.
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Posted by dudu on 08/29/2010
Sincerely, what is what doing at all is worth doing well,this incredible act has made the russia as a nation lost a lot as far as world football is concerned and will make international footballers to have a rethink moving to russian league. except they make public apologies or should never be considered to host any international sports fiesta.
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Posted by Boutros Hanna on 08/29/2010
I am absolutely appalled by this article. FIFA has spent millions to wipe racism out of football and this is an example of FIFA's failure to deal with it. That banner has gone to far and its about time FIFA genuinely step up and do something for once. The only thing FIFA does is place signs everywhere in stadiums condemning racism but they dont act at all!!!!
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Posted by linus daniel on 08/29/2010
Russia is not better off in-terms of raw talent,Nigeria and Africa as a whole has produced better footballers than they do,we're so proud of our people irrespective of there complexion, being a white beast doesn't make you guys better either rather you guys are just bunch of smelling maggot, the football world and Africa will never respect russia for this act of racism which has plagued and eaten deep into their marrow
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Posted by Haruna Uwais on 08/29/2010
This is nothing but a reflection of the Society, which is a lawless society, black people are killed regularly in Russia for no reason other than their colour. With the evil-doers rarely, if ever brought to book. So one does not expect anything positive in the response of the Russian Football Federation. FIFA should effect meaningful and stringent punishment for countries where racism is prevalent, there is no place for such actions in today's world.
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Posted by Odogwu Nwoke on 08/29/2010
I just have one major suprise...If an African (Nigerian in this case) who is fair complexioned, then I am really wondering what will become of an African who is really black in complexion. they probably would have paid west brom for buying him. this goes to show that there is more to racism than we see in the physical really. it takes a total change of mentality for people to be really cured of racism.
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Posted by faism on 08/29/2010
odemwenkie is a good player, a player should not be judged by his race or color but by ability.i hope he ll do well in westbrom
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Posted by Baba J on 08/29/2010
It is quite unfortunate, sad and disguisting. A very big shame to those 'Locomotive' Mos 'cows' supporters who have decided to disrespect the human race and the beautiful game of football. As their implies, "locomotive" (stone-age) cows are truly living in the stone age. From the pictures they really look like white 'monkeys'. Go Peter and shine.
FIFA and the Russian FA should immediately deal this.
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Posted by tb on 08/29/2010
hmm... just to point out, this might NOT be a case of racism after all... read the link posted (goes to metro) in the article for further details... apparently "banana" in russia can bring different connotations than just sickly racism... cultural divide there
who knows what the banana actually meant...
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Posted by Sheye on 08/29/2010
Thing like these will reduce russia's chance of 2018 WC and swing in favour of england considering the fact that the player in question moved from russia to england
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Posted by uche amadi on 08/29/2010
i think dis have shown the world dat d russians r nt humans and fifa,cafe should be careful also now i believe fifa have seen dat they are not capable of hosting the world.come wat may i till love my club ower up chealsea
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Posted by Daniel Onyeayana on 08/29/2010
I can't believe this. This is so so sad. Is this the world they tell us that we are equal. If they can do this to Odemwingie who is half Russian, you can then imagine what they will do or are doing to those full blown Africans.
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Posted by Sean on 08/29/2010
Make them play a few matches behind closed doors. Absolutely no place for that in football, no matter how upset you are at a player leaving, you show him out the door with class and gratitude.
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Posted by mickeysoo on 08/29/2010
it is very sad to know that even in the 21st century we still have people whose thinking are very way behind.racism cannot be defended but i was hoping people here showed us how mature they are but it seems only a few have shown the maturity that we would have wanted the supporters who made the banner to have shown.odemwingie's mom is a russian and i guess it shows how ignorant those supporters are.it is high time we judged people on their performance and not the color of their skin.i am wondering how black players playing for the club will feel if there are any.i commend the writer for bringing this atrocity and insult to light for the whole world to see how ignorant and petty some people are even in a developed country as russia.
i wish odemwingie all the success he needs in the EPL and i hope he scores a lot of goals not against liverpool though.
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About
Matthew Evans: I've supported West Brom all my life, and it's fair to say that they give me my fair share of ups and downs. I'm always guaranteed an emotional rollercoaster of a season whatever division the Baggies are in. I try to remain positive in my views on Albion, although that is impossible at some points. My favourite Albion player of the moment is Youssuff Mulumbu, and of my lifetime it has to be Super Bob Taylor.You can follow me on twitter @MattEvansWBA
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