A leading anti-racism pressure group believes players from many ethnic backgrounds will consider boycotting the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
After he seemed to be subjected to monkey chants from CSKA Moscow fans on Wednesday, Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure said that some black footballers might refuse to play in the tournament unless steps are taken to improve the situation.
CSKA have denied that their fans were abusing Toure in this way but UEFA have opened disciplinary proceedings against them.
Former Charlton player Paul Mortimer, who works for Show Racism The Red Card, suggested players from other races might take a similar stand to that of Toure.
“Most definitely,” he said. “That probably will happen. I know a lot of players who are white who are disgusted at what happens. Every right-minded player would do that.
“I have been racially abused on the pitch and I’ve also spoken to white players I played with, and the emotions they feel are not good. When they hear that kind of abuse, they’re disgusted by it and they feel for the black players.
“People talk about Russia getting the World Cup being a catalyst for change but the thought of them having the World Cup taken away from them should be the catalyst for change.”
Toure’s Ivory Coast team-mate Seydou Doumbia, who plays for CSKA, challenged his compatriot’s version of events. “My Ivory Coast colleague is clearly exaggerating,” he said. “The fans wouldn’t ever come out with racist chants.”
Mortimer speculated that Doumbia might feel unable to speak his mind.
“He [Doumbia] won’t have much help and will have to accept it,” Mortimer told the BBC.“ I can understand why he is saying what he is but it is another form of denial. He needs help more than anything else.”
