Hulk ‘Sure Racism Doesn’t Exist’ in Russian Football Anymore

Brazilian striker Hulk is confident that racism is a thing of the past in Russian football. There have been many high profile cases of racist abuse in Russian stadiums in recent years, with the country set to host next year’s World Cup. But striker Hulk, who played for Zenit St. Petersburg for 4 years, told […]
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sambafoot_admin
2017-07-08 18:07:00

Brazilian striker Hulk is confident that racism is a thing of the past in Russian football. There have been many high profile cases of racist abuse in Russian stadiums in recent years, with the country set to host next year’s World Cup.

But striker Hulk, who played for Zenit St. Petersburg for 4 years, told CNN Sport that he does not think it will blight next year’s World Cup, “I’m sure it doesn’t exist anymore. It didn’t happen at any stage during the Confederations Cup; I’m sure it won’t happen at the World Cup.”

Hulk said he was subjected to racism in Russian stadiums during his stint at Zenit, but that he believes this is no longer an issue, “There’s nothing to be worried about. Unfortunately, I experienced a few cases (of racism) in Russia, especially when I arrived in my first year.

“With time, it began improving. I was getting used to Russian football. Russian people were embracing me more. So, I guess, one year before I left Zenit this wasn’t happening anymore.” The 30 year old is currently playing for Shanghai SIP in China.

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