Racism killing football, says Samba

Anzhi Makhachkala defender Christopher Samba believes the issue of racism is ‘killing the game’.

The Congolese defender moved to the Russian club in January 2012, and found himself the victim of prejudiced chanting from the stands.

AC Milan star Kevin-Prince Boateng recently walked off during a match after being greeted with monkey chants, and Samba feels the Ghanaian was right to do so.

“Some Zenit St Petersburg fans have made bad statements about not wanting black players in their team, and I was a victim of the racist incident at Lokomotiv Moscow,” Samba told The Guardian.

“I admire (Boateng’s) club and team-mates who supported him, but those chants were disgraceful. It is sad to see this – it is killing the game.

“It is very difficult for players to know what to do. Playing on shows strength in a way, but it can also seem like we are avoiding the problem.”

Anzhi have made the headlines in recent years due to their riches and ambitious transfer policy, and Samba believes in the project the club have been building.

“The owner is doing everything for us to be happy,” he said. “He listens to any problem, he is very kind, he has a big heart.

“The owner is trying to give the people some joy creating this football team.”