Support The Moscow Times!

Russian Football Union Fines Spartak Moscow Over Racist Fans

Spartak are currently in seventh place on 36 points, while Arsenal are in 13th on 20 points. Denis Abramov / Vedomosti

Spartak Moscow have been fined a total 650,000 rubles by the Russian Football Union after racist slogans were displayed on a banner in a violence-marred league match against Arsenal Tula this month.

The match, won 1-0 by Tula, was also marred by violence in the stands with Spartak fans climbing on to the roof of the stadium and throwing flares and other objects at rival supporters.

"Due to the public display by their supporters of a banner, which included racist symbols (a Celtic cross), Spartak have been fined 200,000 rubles," the Russian Football Union's website stated.

"The club will also be banned from having supporters attend their next two away games (this will not include women and children up to the age of 12) in the Russian Premier League."

Speaking to reporters, the head of the Disciplinary Committee, Artur Grigoryants, said: "Russia has signed up to all the necessary documents supporting the fight against racism and discrimination."

"A swastika and a Celtic cross are two of the main symbols, which are absolutely necessary to banish from the walls within a stadium along with banners with these emblems," he added.

Arsenal Tula were also fined 840,000 rubles with the bulk of that sum for failing to provide adequate safety measures, leading to a supporter falling off the roof of the stadium and breaking both his arms.

Arsenal will also be forced to play their next Russian Premier League home match at a neutral venue.

Spartak are currently in seventh place on 36 points, while Arsenal are in 13th on 20 points.

… we have a small favor to ask.

As you may have heard, The Moscow Times, an independent news source for over 30 years, has been unjustly branded as a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. This blatant attempt to silence our voice is a direct assault on the integrity of journalism and the values we hold dear.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. Our commitment to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia remains unshaken. But we need your help to continue our critical mission.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just 2. It's quick to set up, and you can be confident that you're making a significant impact every month by supporting open, independent journalism. Thank you.

Continue

Read more