Jump directly to the content
STAY AWAY

England star Danny Rose tells family NOT to come to World Cup in Russia over racism fears

Spurs man has experienced on-field racial abuse in the past and is determined to ensure his family do not suffer the same threats

DANNY ROSE has left his dad "really upset" after telling his family he does not want them travelling to Russia for the World Cup amid fears of rampant racism in the stands at games.

The Spurs man was subjected to on-field racial abuse in Serbia in 2012 and has now made the heart-breaking decision to tell his relatives to stay away from this summer's tournament in Russia.

 The England squad have held discussions on how to react should they be abused by fans in Russia
6
The England squad have held discussions on how to react should they be abused by fans in RussiaCredit: PA:Press Association

In a scathing, heart-felt interview with the , Rose said: "I'm not worried for myself.

"But I've told my family I don't want them going out there because of racism and anything else that may happen.

"I don't want to be worrying when I'm trying to prepare for games for my family's safety.

"If anything happens to me, it wouldn't affect me like it would if my family had been abused."

 Rose was sent off for his reaction to having stones thrown at him and being subjected to monkey chants in Serbia in 2012
6
Rose was sent off for his reaction to having stones thrown at him and being subjected to monkey chants in Serbia in 2012Credit: Getty Images - Getty

The matter is particularly personal for Rose, 27, who had stones thrown and monkey chants directed at him as an England under-21 in Serbia in 2012, with his protests earning him a red card and a one-game ban at the following summer's European under-21 Championship. Serbia were fined just £65,000.

"I have no faith in the justice system so I don't let anything affect me," Rose said, adding his experiences left him 'numb' to racial abuse.


HOME ALONE England the only side in World Cup 2018 to have their entire squad playing in own domestic league


"I didn't get any support after Serbia. I never had a conversation with anybody outside of England.

"I still ended up getting suspended and missing the first game of the competition. It's just the way it is. What can you do?"

Jose Mourinho picks England to top group ahead of Belgium in World Cup predictions
 Russia were fined £22,000 for the racist chanting directed at France players in St Petersburg in March
6
Russia were fined £22,000 for the racist chanting directed at France players in St Petersburg in MarchCredit: AFP

Rose knew his family would be devastated to hear the news, but feels Fifa's weak stance against racism, including a £22,000 fine for the Russian football union for racist chanting in a 3-1 defeat to France, means nothing can be left to chance.

"My dad's really upset," he continued. "I could hear it in his voice.

 Fabian Delph and Ryan Bertrand will challenge Rose for the starting left-back spot in Russia
6
Fabian Delph and Ryan Bertrand will challenge Rose for the starting left-back spot in RussiaCredit: Reuters

"He said he may never get a chance again to come and watch me in a World Cup. That was emotional, hearing that.

"It's really said. It's just how it is. Somehow Russia got the World Cup and we have to get on with it."

David Attenborough gives his commentary over England fans
 Rose could have played internationally for Jamaica through his grandfather, but chose England instead in 2016
6
Rose could have played internationally for Jamaica through his grandfather, but chose England instead in 2016Credit: AFP or licensors

The £22,000 fine, handed out last month has been widely condemned, just £6,000 more than England were fined for a player using a non-sponsored energy drink at the under-20 World Cup last year.

Rose said: "A £22,000 fine is disgusting.

"What do they [Fifa] expect? I don't want to sound arrogant but if I had been fined £22,000 - without sounding big-headed - it wouldn't make a difference.

"A country being fined £22,000 is just laughable."

Dele Alli laughs at Raheem Sterling after he hits himself in the face with basketball in England World Cup camp
 Rose will look to add to his 17 England caps in Russia
6
Rose will look to add to his 17 England caps in RussiaCredit: Reuters

England's 23-man squad, which includes 11 black players, have held meetings to discuss their response, should they be abused on the pitch in Russia.

Rose said: “We had a team meeting last week and asked, ‘What if it happens [in Russia]? What would we do?’ We said we have to back each other.

"We said, ‘What if somebody doesn’t want the attention? Do we take over?’

"I said, ‘What are we trying to do here? Are we trying to play football or are we trying to change the world?’ Whatever we do here isn’t going to change what is happening all around the world."

SunSport profiles England ahead of this summer's World Cup in Russia
Topics