I can’t lie. I was a little nervous about what to expect at the World Cup in Russia as I jumped on my flight to Moscow. But I have to say my experience was entirely positive and will live long in the memory.
My work – as a sports journalist, film-maker and consultant – has taken me to lots of incredible places. Kazakhstan, Belarus, China, Thailand, Israel and the Ivory Coast are just a few countries I have been fortunate enough to have seen in recent years. I am well travelled, so the prospect of heading to Moscow, just a 3 hour flight away, should not have stirred up the anxiety I experienced.
But who could blame me! Stories of violence towards black people (well, all people that aren’t Russian) were widespread across the media ahead of the tournament. Also speaking directly to anti-racism campaigners in the country they were concerned about what could happen.
However, as I strolled through the Red Square – one of just a few black people around at that time – I couldn’t have felt more comfortable. The country is firmly under the World Cup’s spell and the celebrations are in full swing.
During my time in Moscow, working with Yaya Touré for beIN Sports, I took the opportunity to take in as much of the atmosphere as possible. Outside of working hours I would walk around the city and take in the sheer size of the place. Massive buildings, expansive roads, huge statues and monuments. The people were friendly and welcoming – they are fiercely proud to be hosting a World Cup in their country.
At the game I attended, Belgium v Tunisia, the football was magnificent, while the organisation at the stadiums was genuinely outstanding. Russia had done their homework and delivered a superb fan experience.
My only hope is that when the ‘show’ rolls out of town, the impact of the global party lives on. The anti-racism campaigners I spoke to were more optimistic than ever. Never before had so many in their country been exposed to such diversity and welcomed it. Many had always feared it. But the World Cup had helped to challenge these concerns.
I guess we will only really see the long lasting impact of the World Cup in years to come but in the meantime, to anyone reading this considering a quick dash to Moscow. Do it!!!
YAYA VISITS DIVERSITY HOUSE
During my time working in the game I’ve seen lots of footballers front high profile anti-racism campaigns but rarely see them going to check out the work on the ground.
So I was delighted when Yaya asked me if he could pay a quick visit to FARE’s Diversity House in Moscow following a conversation we had about campaigners work at the World Cup.
Yaya and I dropped by the house, where activities promoting diversity have been ongoing throughout the tournament. He shared some of his experiences of playing and living in Ukraine with campaigners and thanked them for their work in football.
Please, please, please can other players follow Yaya’s lead. Campaigners across the world need support!