West Brom take on Newcastle this afternoon but the nation continues to debate the fall-out of England’s failed 2018 bid amid allegations of corruption within the FIFA.
But it has been relatively forgotten that Russian fans were recently caught up in a racism storm involving Albion striker Peter Odemwingie.
Supporters of his former club Lokomotiv Moscow unfurled a banner with ‘thanks West Brom’ plastered across the front alongside an image of a banana.
Albion fans protested and hit back with a banner of their own, produced in the style of the Kick Racism Out of Football logo.
Odemwingie was this week unwilling to offer his opinion on Russia’s success, although he had previously endorsed both the English and Russian bids.
Scotland international Morrison hopes that some good will come out of FIFA’s controversial decision to hand Russia the tournament.
He cited South Africa’s World Cup which was relatively successful from an administrative and logistical point of view, despite fears being voiced before the tournament about the potential for crime and a lack of organisation.
“It’s a real shame England won’t be hosting it – Russia haven’t got the stadia that we have,” said Morrison.
“Money talks I suppose, doesn’t it?
“They had the Champions League final a few years ago so maybe it will be a success.
“But the one thing I do hope is that this helps them get racism out of their game. It will hurt them otherwise.
“Peter got some stick which was very unpleasant.
Sunday Mercury
