WEST Bromwich Albion striker Peter Odemwingie believes the amount of racism in Russia is still on the increase and must be a concern ahead of the 2018 World Cup.

Odemwingie received racial abuse from Lokomotiv Moscow fans during his time with the Russian side before leaving for The Baggies. Lokomotiv fans held a banner with the message 'Thank you West Brom' — refering to Odemwingie's move to the Hawthorns — with a picture of a banana also on display.

The Nigerian international spent three years in Russia before his move to England and thinks racism in the country shows no sign of improvement.

"There was a group of boys with their own agenda which has nothing to do with football in my opinion," Odemwingie told Football Focus.

"In a few stadiums it's present, it's obvious, you cannot pretend that you don't see it.

"From Lokomotiv I was a little bit surprised. Now I am hearing what is going on there, some of the banners, some shout outs, it's more about nationalism and stuff like that.,”he said