Siyanda Xulu’s FC Rostov head coach Igor Gamula has been suspended for five matches after being found guilty of making racist comments, the Russian Football Union (RFS) said in a statement on Wednesday.
Asked by reporters whether he would consider signing Cameroon player Benoit Angbwa, Gamula is reported to have replied that he had "enough dark-skinned players; we've got six of the things". He later apologised and shook hands with the players concerned – including Bafana Bafana defender Siyanda Xulu, who had taken offence from the coache’s comments and stayed away from training.
According to the Daily Mail, Gamula was slapped with the suspension following Wednesday’s disciplinary committee meeting.
"Of course, you need to watch what you say, especially when we are trying to battle against racism," said Russian Football Union (RFS) vice president Nikita Simonyan.
"If you want my personal opinion, I think Gamula said he was sorry enough times. He literally slapped himself in his face for making such an unfortunate joke."
Gamula said the RFS had told him not to comment on his ban
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