Torpedo Moscow president Elena Yelentseva has announced that new signing Erving Botaka-Yoboma, who joined the club only six days ago, will not play for the team after fans publicly denounced the signing of a black player.
“Since you consider it acceptable to come into our home and our family without regard for our rules and traditions, we reserve that same right. We will see who comes out on top,” a fan of the Russian club wrote on social networking site VK.
“Black may be one of our club’s colours, but we only want whites in our ranks,” another fan wrote on the same page.
Later fans also expressed displeasure at the fact that Botaka-Yoboma had previously turned out for a rival club, Russian champions Lokomotiv Moscow.
Botaka-Yoboma is a Russian citizen, having been born in the town of Pushkino not far from the capital. He is also a product Torpedo’s own academy.
This is not the first time Russian fans have criticised the signing of non-white players. In 2012 supporters of Zenit St Petersburg issued an open letter to club management calling for black players to be excluded from the team following the high-profile double signing of Belgium international Axel Witsel and Brazil international Hulk.
As it happens, Torpedo have previously fielded an African player – in fact, Nigeria international Augustine Eguavoen became the first black footballer to ever play in Russia when he made his debut for the club in 1997.
Latest Stories
-
Let’s prioritize research quality in higher education institutions for industrial growth-Prof. Nathaniel Boso
6 hours -
Herman Suede is set to release ‘How Dare You’ on April 24
9 hours -
Heal KATH: Kuapa Kokoo, Association of Garages donate 120k to support project
10 hours -
KNUST signs MOU with Valco Trust Fund, Bekwai Municipal Hospital to build student hostel
10 hours -
The influence Ronaldo has on people, Cadman Yamoah will have same on the next generation – Coach Goodwin
10 hours -
Gender Advocate Emelia Naa Ayeley Aryee Wins prestigious Merck Foundation Awards
11 hours -
South Africa bursary scandal suspects granted bail
12 hours -
Ecobank successfully repays $500m Eurobond due April 18
12 hours -
Re: Doe Adjaho, Torgbui Samlafo IV, call for Unity among Paramountcies in Anlo
12 hours -
Extortion and kidnap – a deadly journey across Mexico into the US
12 hours -
Rihanna says fashion has helped her personal ‘rediscovery’ after having children
12 hours -
Development Bank Ghana targets GH¢1bn funding for commercial banks in 2024
13 hours -
Shatta Movement apologises to Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled after backlash
13 hours -
Sammy Gyamfi writes: Tema-Mpakadan Railway Project; A railway line to nowhere
14 hours -
Bright Simons: Is the World Bank saving or harming Ghana?
14 hours