Odemwingie: Racism getting worse in Russia

Allegations of racism in Russia have surfaced again. Footballer Peter Odemwingie, from West Bromwich Albion, says he believes the amount of discrimination in the country is on the rise and is a real concern for the 2018 world cup.

Operation Black Vote expressed incredulity over the lack of concern FIFA showed about racism in Russia when deciding on who win the bid to host the 2018 World Cup.

Footballer Odemwingie received racial abuse from Lokomotiv fans when he was a player on the Russian side. Lokomotiv fans held a banner with the message 'Thank you West Brom' — referring to Odemwingie's move to the Hawthorns — with a picture of a banana also on display.

The Nigerian international who spent three years in Russia before moving to the English team says racism in the country shows no sign of improvement.

"There was a group of boys with their own agenda which has nothing to do with football in my opinion. In a few stadiums its present, it's obvious, you cannot pretend that you don't see it.

From Lokomotiv I was a little bit surprised. Now I am hearing what is going on there, some of the banners, some shout outs, it's more about nationalism and stuff like that.” He said.