Source: Daily_Mail
Russian fans 'racist to their souls': England World Cup bid gets boost as businessman speaks out
England's bid to stage the 2018 World Cup has been boosted by claims that the fans behind the infamous Peter Odemwingie 'banana' banner had intended their message to West Bromwich Albion's Nigerian striker to be taken as racist.[LNB] Alexey Sorokin, the head of Russia's rival 2018 bid, had attempted to play down the furore over the banner, which was displayed by Lokomotiv Moscow fans following Odemwingie's move to West Brom in August, by insisting that the depiction of a banana was a Russian way ofsaying 'you're a failure'. [LNB]But Lokomotiv fan Alexey Mironov, a 35-year-old businessman, claimed Sorokin's explanation was false, saying: 'Sorokin has told the world that there was no racism in the banner. He described the message as the Russian saying "to receive a banana" signifying a big failure but not racist. I never heard of this saying before. [LNB]'We drew the banana as a reference to Odemwingie's African roots. Every black in Russia is often called "monkey". I believe that Russian fans are racists deep in their souls.' [LNB] Racist: Lokomotiv Moscow fans taunt former player Peter Odemwingie following his sale to West Brom[LNB] Wigan 1 West Brom 0: Wigan fans' prayers are answered by Victor MosesWorld Cup 2018: Key to the first round voteBlatter calls FIFA corruption summit ahead of vote for 2018 World Cup hostsWEST BROMWICH ALBION FC
