Paul Pogba and French team-mates racially abused by Russian fans in St Petersburg just months before World Cup

PAUL POGBA and a number of his France team-mates were racially abused by Russian fans in St Petersburg just months before the World Cup.

Fifa is being urged to investigate the claims of racism by campaigners over growing fears regarding this summer’s tournament.

AFP

Monkey chants are said to have been made by supporters in Russia, aimed at the likes of Pogba, Kylian Mbappe, N’Golo Kante and Anthony Martial.

The abhorrent racist abuse was so loud it could be heard on a TV broadcast – most notably after Pogba scored France‘s second in the 3-1 win.

Anti-discrimination network, Fare now believes Fifa have more than enough ammunition to open an investigation.

Fare claimed: “There should be enough there for Fifa to initiate proceedings.”

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AFP

The incident comes just a matter of months ahead of this summer’s World Cup – with fears already plaguing the event.

As well as the impending threat of violence against fans – after Euro 2016’s horrific scenes in Marseille – racism is a very real fear.

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Now, with the tournament kicking-off in June, officials face a race against time to ensure such vile behaviour doesn’t ruin this summer’s showcase.

St Petersburg – host of Tuesday night’s despicable racism – will host six matches at the World Cup, including a semi-final.

AFP