Zenit St Petersburg forward Hulk has criticised some fans for supporting a controversial manifesto calling for a ban on black and gay players.
The Russian club are notorious for extremist elements among their hardcore fan base, who provoked outrage in December by publicly urging the club not to sign any black players.
The city of Saint Petersburg itself has also earned notoriety for passing a law banning homosexual propaganda among minors, which Hulk says he is completely against.
He said: “I think those people, those fans do not care about culture at all. I respect footballers of any skin colour and any sexual orientation.
“Those fans who abuse people of a different colour or gays just do not think at all.”
However, the Brazilian, who moved to the club for €40 million in September, revealed he does feel safer in Russia than in his homeland.
Hulk added: “That’s one very important thing, which I feel here in Russia and which is seriously lacking at home in Brazil. I don’t worry for my child or wife when they go outdoors alone.
“Security is a very important part of people’s life and I can say that people in Brazil desperately need to improve security.”
The 26-year-old was part of the Seleção side that drew 1-1 with Russia in a friendly at Stamford Bridge last week.
Hulk concluded: “The Russian team is currently playing at a very good level. They did really well against Brazil. I think they are even capable of winning the World Cup next year.”
Source: Global Post
