A gay football fan has been sent to hospital with brain injuries after being beaten by two men for their sexual orientation in Saint Petersburg. The Frenchman, arriving into Russia with his boyfriend in excitement for the World Cup, landed in the country to help support his nation, but has been left with serious injuries after he was assaulted.
It's been a worry from day one. Russia, one of the most controversial countries on the planet, has consistently been criticised for its stance on all aspects of equality, and there have been plenty of threats towards homosexuality in the build-up to the tournament.