Russia urge fans to behave at Euro 2012
LVIV, June 10 — The Russian football federation and the national team today urged their fans in Poland to behave after some supporters threw fireworks and displayed illicit banners during Russia’s opening Euro 2012 match.
UEFA said yesterday it was investigating the incidents which took place during the 4-1 win over the Czech Republic in the city of Wroclaw on Friday.
“Some people in the stadium carried out acts which were unworthy of real football fans. There is no place in the stands for people who use sporting events to declare personal, political or other points of view,” the federation said in a statement on its website.
“The federation and the Russian national team strongly ask all real fans to oppose the provocative acts of hooligans and to fully cooperate with match organisers when it comes to questions of security.”
European football’s governing body are probing reports of alleged abuse directed at Czech Republic players by Russia fans.
“We are appealing to all fans. Remember, you represent your country. Respect yourself, your motherland and your team,” said the federation statement.
UEFA is also investigating what sparked a fight after the Wroclaw match in which about 30 fans attacked stewards.
The head of the Polish company in charge of tournament coordination said four stewards were hurt after being set on by a group of drunk Russia fans. — Reuters
