Zenit St Petersburg boss Luciano Spalletti has hit back at the club’s fans after they demanded they not sign gay and black players.
The Russian champions’ largest supporters group Landscrona said in an open letter that black players “forced down Zenit’s throat” and added that gay footballers were “unworthy of our great city”.
The letter has been responded with widespread condemnation, including from the club’s Italian boss who called it “stupidity”.
“I can personally assure you that I will do everything I can to help those who seek to explain to people what tolerance is, and the need to respect other cultures and traditions,” said Spalletti who signed the club’s only black player, Hulk and Axel Witsel, in August.
“I think that Zenit has proven through its work that the club understands what tolerance is, and what it means to have tolerant behaviour. The team has gathered players from different countries and ethnic groups who work together to achieve a common goal.”
French midfielder Yann M'Vila rejected a move to the club in August due to concerns over racism in the league, while players like Christopher Samba and Roberto Carlos have been subjected to abuse.