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Zenit forward Hulk accuses Spartak fans of racist abuse

Jean Catuffe / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Hulk has once again levelled charges of racism against fans in Russia.

The Zenit St. Petersburg forward allegedly suffered the latest episode of abuse during the 2-2 draw at Spartak Moscow on Saturday. After scoring one of the goals, he proceeded to blow kisses to the home fans as the match came to a close.

"Unfortunately, the same things are happening: racism in the stands," Hulk said afterwards. "I won't pay any attention to this, as I have already talked about this."

Racism is particularly rampant in stadiums across Russia, and Hulk himself has been targeted before. The Brazilian said in an interview in July that it happens "almost every game."

He also pulled out of the World Cup qualifying draw in St. Petersburg this summer after speaking of "gross and ugly" racism in the country.

Emmanuel Frimpong, the former Arsenal midfielder, reported abuse from the same section of Spartak fans during the opening match of the 2015-16 season while playing for his new club FC Ufa.

A recent study by the Fare network, an organisation fighting against discrimination in football, back ups these allegations, revealing that more than 100 incidents of racism have occurred in the Russian league over the past two seasons alone.

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