Hulk accuses Russian fans of racism

There was a familiar feel to Hulk’s day on Saturday, as the Zenit Saint Petersburg forward scored a trademark powerful free-kick before later accusing the Spartak Moscow fans of racism.

The 29-year-old Brazilian was pictured blowing kisses to the home supporters – Spartak fans – as he was replaced in the dying embers of stoppage time in the second-half, and after the match was concluded, he spoke to Zenit’s official website and explained his peculiar gesture.

Following the match, Hulk himself lamented the incident and described his response, saying: “Unfortunately, there is still the same situation, racism from the stands. I’ve already talked about that”, he said Sunday. “So I keep sending kisses to all and answer (in the) game on the field”. “It’s not worth it to discuss these things”.

In March, he was racially abused by Torpedo Moscow fans. The Brazilian later blew kisses to the home crowd in the 2-2 draw.

Hulk said in July that racist behaviour was present at “almost every game” in Russian Federation, where he has played since 2012, and that he feared it could mar the 2018 World Cup. The side from the Russian capital was sanctioned and made to play two matches behind closed doors.

The Russian Football Union took no action against Spartak, declaring a lack of evidence.

In the opening match of the season, Ufa’s Emmanuel Frimpong accused a section of Spartak supporters of shouting racial abuse in his direction.