The former issue, racism from the stands, could be a very poignant issue at this tournament as Rose points out. Its happened in high profile matches before, and I think two of the Russian CL teams have played to empty stands as punishment. While I dont want to get into the whole ins and outs of the Russian hooligans again (if youre interested,
viewtopic.php?f=26&t=20870&p=649882&hilit=russian+hooligans#p649882), I believe that Putin has gone full barrel at making sure the known groups that cause most of the trouble will be far away from the stadia.
I believe many groups in Russia have actually complained of harassment and threats made from the Police. Many of them were rejected Fan id's needed to get into the games, and there is even talk of groups having been infiltrated by secret police to monitor them. I believe Putin has also directly stated that if violence or racism is linked back to any domestic groups its going to be prison for everyone involved, without any worthwhile questions about who really is to blame. Id be surprised if any of these organizations that in the past have been responsible will try this time. Putin has made the consequences very harsh.
Nevertheless, one does have to think what happens in the scenario of racial abuse coming from the stands? It seems a really tough question for this day in age, because the obvious reaction to it that I would personally advocate is for the referee to pick up the ball and lead the players off. The World Cup is important, but FIFA could really set an amazing precedent for the future with regards to the issue and support players who have been the victim by standing by them... the football comes secondary.
But thats not going to happen, is it? I can see a player going full on Balotelli and kicking a ball into the stand or swearing and confronting fans, maybe walking off on their own (especially if its a player of ethnic origin in a white majority team (not a slur on Balo, I think I would be unable to contain myself in a dignified manner if it was me).... How would refs respond to that? If its extra time with 3 subs each team and a player gets called an racist term from the stands, does he have to stay on or leave his team down to 10? Could you imagine if that player was Sterling..... walking off at 0-0 leaving us down to 10? He statement would be right, understandable, but hed probably not set foot in England again.
Lots to ponder. You'd hope that FIFA have thought about this and drilled the refs on contingency plans. England certainly seem to have discussed it and have a policy towards it according to Rose. It seems that any player subjected to racism (from Rose's words) should try to stay calm and approach the captain Harry Kane, who will relay to the ref.