Read the original text at NV.UA.
The Russians are very fond of using the term "Volyn massacre" (see below, ed.). On this basis, I believe that Ukrainians can call "Marseilles massacre" the collision between Russian and British fans during the European Championship in France.
The attacks were carried out by organized groups of fans. At least 3 English fans were injured; 1 England fan declared brain-dead. Apparently, this is how Russians thank for the French hospitality.
However, this incident is unlikely to affect the plans of Russia for the 2018 World Cup. There is direct connection between these events. History knows only one precedent, when the possibility of holding the world championship was taken from one country and given to another. We are talking about the championship 1986 that should be held in Colombia, however, due to the economic problems (default) this right was given to Mexico. However, case law is very important in the western jurisprudence.
After the incident, the general attitude to Russia in the Western media has worsened (especially in the Anglo-Saxon media). Russians have raised a problem of racism, which is a very painful topic for the Western community. The British press has accused the Russians in terms of racism. They remember different cases of abuse of the fans. In particular, the well-known event when during the Champions League match Manchester City player Yaya Toure (who played for Metalurg Donetsk for a long time) was booed and insulted by the Russian fans. It was a very resonant story in the Western media as the accusations of racism today are most serious for the Western resident.
Russia might be deprived of the right to host to the World Cup 2018 due to the security threats, like terrorist attacks. However, it did not work with France, which shocked with the terrible series of acts of terrorism. Other possible reasons for the change of the host country are war or great economic difficulties. All they are unlikely to take place in Russia.
At the same time, Britain and the United States will continue to actively thwart the championship in Russia. England is a №1 contender for hosting World Cup in 2018, and it is ready to pick it out of the hands of weakened Russia at any time. The only real reason for the changing the host country is the FBI investigation of bribes to FIFA. As we know, nine senior FIFA functionaries issued by Switzerland to the United States are in custody. If they give testimony, clearly pointing to the fact that Russia bribed FIFA leadership, this could be the reason for the change the hosting country.
Note: The massacres of Poles in Volhynia (Volyn) and Eastern Galicia were part of an ethnic cleansing operation carried out in Nazi German-occupied Poland by the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA)'s North Command in the regions of Volhynia (Reichskommissariat Ukraine) and their South Command in Eastern Galicia (General Government) beginning in March 1943 and lasting until the end of 1944. The peak of the massacres took place in July and August 1943. Most of the victims were women and children. The actions of the UPA resulted in 35,000-60,000 Polish deaths in Volhynia and 25,000-40,000 in Eastern Galicia. Ukrainian side argues that “Volyn massacre” were mutual ethnic cleansing of Ukrainian and Polish people conducted by Ukrainian Insurgent Army (Ukrayinska Povstanska Armiya, UPA) and the Polish Home Army (Armia Krajowa) together with Polish Schutzmannschaft battalions, and Soviet partisans in 1943 during the Second World War in Volyn, Western Ukraine. While Polish side states that it was genocide of the Polish people.
All opinions published on 112.International website reflect the views of the author. 112.International editors may not agree with the opinion of the author.
