After the Football World Cup ended for the Russian team, an Orthodox priest thanked God and rejoiced over the end of the “homosexual abomination.” According to a report in the Moscow Times, Alexander Shumsky took offence to the vibrantly coloured football shoes endorsed by players competing in Brazil.

The report said Shumsky wrote in a Christian website that players wearing yellow, green, blue and pink shoes were promoting the “gay rainbow.” He believes that the sport has been used strategically to “oppose Christianity” and corrupt people across the world.

“Wearing pink or blue shoes, [the squad] might as well wear women's knickers or a bra…. The liberal ideology of globalism clearly wants to oppose Christianity with football. I'm sure of it…. Therefore I am glad that the Russian players have failed and, by the grace of God, no longer participate in this homosexual abomination,” said Shumsky, adding that he was also offended by the “unthinkable” hairstyles of some of players.

This year, Russia participated in only three matches before failing to secure itself a position beyond  the group stages, with two losses and two draws. Unlike the thousands of fans who were heartbroken over their elimination, Shumsky seemed thankful that God’s grace had brought an end to his embarrassment and homophobia. The Russian team was not the only one sporting neon-coloured shoes during the World Cup, as England and many other teams opted for the same vibrant designs for their match in Brazil. The speculation that Russia might host the next Football World Cup in 2018, led to a controversy over alleged gay discrimination and racism in the country. The country has been criticized from several quarters for cracking down on LGBT rights, especially after it put into effect a law against “gay propaganda” in June this year.

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