UEFA To Probe Russian Fans Conduct – OpEd

By Natalya Kovalenko

UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Football Union of Russia over improper conduct of Russian fans after Russia vs Czech Republic match.

UEFA claims that the fans were throwing fireworks, carrying illicit banners and fighting with stadium stewards after the game.

UEFA filed a suit based on security reports as well as photo and video footage.

Russian fans also carried a nationalist yellow-and-black “Russian Empire” flag. Activists from the Football Against Racism considered this the evidence of “far-right sensibilities”.

Russia’s Soccer Union admitted that some fans misbehaved and urged football lovers to resist provocations and help organizers of the games to ensure security.

Football expert Andrey Malosolov believes that security is a responsibility of the hosts, Poland and Ukraine

“I think that one incident with a firework and some clashes with stewards are not a big deal. Similar cases are common for large football events. Police, not Russia’s Soccer Union should prevent this kind of behavior.

By the way, recently, 10 Russian fans were attacked by 50 Poles in Lodz and Poznan in a café. But we are not reproaching UEFA for poor security.”

On June, Russia defeated the Czech Republic 4-1 in a Group A game in Wroclaw. On June 12, Russia will be challenged by Poland.