Gay World Cup fan ‘hospitalised after violent homophobic attack in Russia’
The Frenchman had reportedly travelled to St. Petersburg with his partner.
By Will Stroude
A gay football fan has reportedly been hospitalised in Russia following a brutal homophobic attack.
The victim, identifited at ‘O. Davrius’, had travelled to St. Petersburg with his partner to cheer on the French squad during the FIFA World Cup 2018, which is set to kick off at 4pm on Thursday (June 14).
The couple were attacked by two men after catching a taxi, OperSlil Telegram channel reports (via Pink News).
O. Davrius, the main victim, was hospitalised after suffering head and brain injuries and a jaw fracture during the ‘homophobic’ attack. The couple also had their wallets and moble phones taken.
According to Metro, the suspected assailants have been arrested and named as Ismet Gaidarov, 25, and Rasul Magomedov, 24, from Dagestan.
The attack comes just hours before Russia are set to get the World Cup underway in their opening match against Saudi Arabia at 4pm BST.
In an attempt to highlight the continued persecution of LGBT+ in Russia and help raise money for LGBT+ causes, British bookmaker Paddy Power have promised to donate £10,000 to the Attitude Foundation for every goal the Russia team score during the World Cup.
As well as turning the Russian squad into accidental allies, the ‘From Russia With Love’ campaign will raise vital funds for LGBT+ organisations working to challenge prejudice on and off the field after Paddy Power pledge a minimum £50,000 donation.
Meanwhile, the Football Supporters’ Federation, together with the Football Association (FA), and the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, has warned LGBT football fans travelling to Russia for the World Cup not to “publicly display” their sexuality.