Reports show rise in homophobic and racist chants from Russian soccer fans
June 1, 2018A new report from the soccer advocacy group Fare network and Moscow-based SOVA Center have found a dramatic increase in discriminatory chants from Russian soccer fans over the last season. The study has found chants inside the stadium have become homophobic and racist in nature.
While the number of violent incidents are down, the rise in discriminatory rhetoric is not encouraging. “There are reasons to hope that the World Cup authorities will not allow serious violent incidents to take place by using all the resources of law enforcement agencies and special services,” said Fare executive director, Piara Powar.
“However,
the football authorities in Russia and FIFA have missed valuable opportunities
and time to deliver lasting change in Russia.
This report comes after far right Russian groups threatened to “hunt down” LGBT+ people and their supporters during the month-long lead up to the World Cup.
Fare has started three new programs designed to protect people of colour and LGBT+ people ahead of the World Cup. Firstly, they will run a Diversity Guide which will offer safety advice to those minority groups traveling to see the games. The comprehensive online resource will be available online.
Secondly, Fare will run a Diversity House in Moscow which will be a safe space featuring a football exhibition, World Cup match viewings, discussions, and meetings with Russian supporters and residents.
Finally, a WhatsApp hotline will be available to report any incidents. The number, + 7 916 948 11 08, will be open from 14 June.
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