RACE STORM
Zenit fans protest at the signing of black player Malcom with shocking racist banner
ZENIT ST PETERSBERG fans have protested at the signing of Barcelona midfielder Malcom.
The Brazilian joined in a reported £36m deal from the Spanish giants earlier this week.
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But at the match with Krasnodar a banner held up by disgruntled fans had a sarcastic message to chiefs at the Russian club.
It said: “Thank you leadership for loyalty to traditions.”
Zenit's black Brazilian player Douglas Costa was also playing in the match.
Previously, the Landskrona fan association has urged club chiefs not to acquire black players.
A posted online by the club's fans has a section titled 'Zenit and black players'.
It reads: "We are not racist and for us the absence of black players is just an important tradition, emphasising the identity of the club and nothing more.
"We, as the northernmost club of the major European cities, have never been mentally connected with Africa, however, as with South America or Australia or Oceania.
"We have absolutely nothing against the inhabitants of these and any other continents, but at the same time we want players who are close in spirit to speak for Zenit.
'LET US BE WHAT WE ARE'
"Now, Zenit black football players are being forced almost by force, and this causes only a backlash.
"Let us be what we are.
"In addition, we can not ignore the specifics of the Russian championship. Our country is dominated by tough, strong soccer in the fields, many of which leave much to be desired.
"In addition, most of the championship takes place in fairly severe weather. Under these conditions it is quite difficult for technical players from warm countries to fully discover their football talent."
It is not the first time there have been accusations of racism from clubs from behind the old Iron Curtain.
Russia was fined £22,000 for racist chants in their friendly with France in May, 2018, just before the World Cup was held in the country.
In 2012, Zenit fans launched a campaign to stop their club buying black and gay players.
Zenit have denied the accusations of racism, with chief executive Alexander Medvedev saying the entire situation is a fabrication invented by Russia’s western critics.
Medvedev said: “There was not conflict. Once again we have seen the western media throwing in false information.
“Unfortunately, this does not only happen in sport.”
Chelsea's Callum Hudson-Odoi was racially abused in the Europa League last-16 clash with Dynamo Kiev last season.
England's Raheem Sterling was racially abused by Montenegrin fans in 2018.
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Red Star Belgrade got a stadium ban and a £61,500 fine for racist behaviour.
Romania were also handed a stadium ban for racist chanting against Serbia.
Malcom played 24 games for the Catalans after signing from Bordeaux.
Gareth Southgate insists England players will not walk off pitch if they suffer racist abuse