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'Don't make opinions based on rumours' - Smertin 'convinced' World Cup will have no racism problems

The former Chelsea midfielder has been working to decrease discriminatory incidents in the country since taking up his post in 2017

Former Russia star Alexey Smertin is certain that the 2018 World Cup will pass without incident in Russia despite fears the finals could be clouded by racist incidents.

Concerns that black players could be targeted were heightened in March when France stars Paul Pogba and Ousmane Dembele were allegedly targeted by monkey noises during a friendly in St. Petersburg.

Yaya Toure is among those who have expressed their misgivings about possible discrimination, while Moscow club Spartak have also been censured in the last 12 months for similar offences aimed towards Liverpool youngster Bobby Adekanye.