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Roberto Carlos considered retiring after banana thrown from crowd in Russia
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 11:25 AM on 24th June 2011
Russia's football league is launching an investigation following an incident which left Roberto Carlos considering his future.
The Brazilian legend, who plays for Anzhi Makhachkala, was taunted by supporters for a second time in three months when a banana was thrown from the crowd during a league match against Krylya Sovetov.
Carlos left the field in protest and appeared visibly shaken by the incident as he took his place on the bench. Team-mates later said he had been in tears in the dressing room.
Scroll down to see video evidence of the horrible incident
Camaraderie: Roberto Carlos says the horrible gesture was an insult to himself and the other players
'Stop playing was what went through my mind, yes,' Carlos said. 'I have decided that I will stay, but if something like this happens again I will have to make a decision.
'You know when that sadness hits, that feeling of being powerless? I left there sad, hurt. So many kids there. That has to be banned from football.
'When I got to the locker rooms the guys hugged me and sang for me. It was a very interesting thing. The guys on the team really like me.'
History: Carlos has already faced abuse during his time in Russia
Speaking immediately afterwards, the World Cup winner said: 'I'm outraged by the sickening behaviour of this fan, who, in fact, insulted not only me but all the players. I hope Russian federation, UEFA and FIFA will give an adequate evaluation to this disgusting incident.'
He said his decision to walk off had nothing to do with his side's 3-0 lead at the time.
'I did it deliberately because I have suffered a bitter disappointment and I didn't want to continue to play in the match,' he said. 'Believe me, I would have done it at any scoreline.'
The head of Russia's 2018 World Cup Organizing Committee, Alexei Sorokin, said that the issue is 'very difficult to control,' but that the Russian Football Union is preparing to enact an anti-racism campaign.
He denied Russia had deeply rooted issues with racism, insisting that a few isolated incidents did not constitute a trend.
'Yes, there are various outbreaks and incidents. But they do not represent the overall mood in our society,' he added.
In March, Russian champions Zenit St Petersburg were fined $10,000 (£6,250) after one of its fans offered a banana to Roberto Carlos at a pre-match ceremony.
'It's a pity,' he added. 'The majority of the people in the country treat players, including foreign ones, cordially and with respect. Unfortunately, there are also freaks, such as this one.'
He added that a senior Krylya club official came to the changing room to apologize.
Legend: Carlos has won all there is to win in the game
Sergei Fursenko, president of the Russian Football Federation, told national newspaper Sport Express that his executive committee will discuss the incident.
'We will sort out the situation and seriously punish those guilty,' he was quoted as saying. 'We must fight racism in the stands decisively.'
The incident was also condemned by Anzhi coach Gadzhi Gadzhiyev.
He said: 'A banana thrown on the field left an impression as lingering as the joy of our victory. One cannot remain indifferent about a prank like this.'
More...
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...#ixzz1QBmlz6RD
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 11:25 AM on 24th June 2011
Russia's football league is launching an investigation following an incident which left Roberto Carlos considering his future.
The Brazilian legend, who plays for Anzhi Makhachkala, was taunted by supporters for a second time in three months when a banana was thrown from the crowd during a league match against Krylya Sovetov.
Carlos left the field in protest and appeared visibly shaken by the incident as he took his place on the bench. Team-mates later said he had been in tears in the dressing room.
Scroll down to see video evidence of the horrible incident
Camaraderie: Roberto Carlos says the horrible gesture was an insult to himself and the other players'Stop playing was what went through my mind, yes,' Carlos said. 'I have decided that I will stay, but if something like this happens again I will have to make a decision.
'You know when that sadness hits, that feeling of being powerless? I left there sad, hurt. So many kids there. That has to be banned from football.
'When I got to the locker rooms the guys hugged me and sang for me. It was a very interesting thing. The guys on the team really like me.'
History: Carlos has already faced abuse during his time in RussiaSpeaking immediately afterwards, the World Cup winner said: 'I'm outraged by the sickening behaviour of this fan, who, in fact, insulted not only me but all the players. I hope Russian federation, UEFA and FIFA will give an adequate evaluation to this disgusting incident.'
He said his decision to walk off had nothing to do with his side's 3-0 lead at the time.
'I did it deliberately because I have suffered a bitter disappointment and I didn't want to continue to play in the match,' he said. 'Believe me, I would have done it at any scoreline.'
The head of Russia's 2018 World Cup Organizing Committee, Alexei Sorokin, said that the issue is 'very difficult to control,' but that the Russian Football Union is preparing to enact an anti-racism campaign.
He denied Russia had deeply rooted issues with racism, insisting that a few isolated incidents did not constitute a trend.
'Yes, there are various outbreaks and incidents. But they do not represent the overall mood in our society,' he added.
In March, Russian champions Zenit St Petersburg were fined $10,000 (£6,250) after one of its fans offered a banana to Roberto Carlos at a pre-match ceremony.
'It's a pity,' he added. 'The majority of the people in the country treat players, including foreign ones, cordially and with respect. Unfortunately, there are also freaks, such as this one.'
He added that a senior Krylya club official came to the changing room to apologize.
Legend: Carlos has won all there is to win in the gameSergei Fursenko, president of the Russian Football Federation, told national newspaper Sport Express that his executive committee will discuss the incident.
'We will sort out the situation and seriously punish those guilty,' he was quoted as saying. 'We must fight racism in the stands decisively.'
The incident was also condemned by Anzhi coach Gadzhi Gadzhiyev.
He said: 'A banana thrown on the field left an impression as lingering as the joy of our victory. One cannot remain indifferent about a prank like this.'
More...
- Russian racism shame as Roberto Carlos demands action over banana
- Zenit fined £6,000 after racist fan waved banana at Roberto Carlos
- Gullit in Grozny: Ex-Chelsea hero on his search for 'money and adventure' in Chechnya
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...#ixzz1QBmlz6RD
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