Young Belarusians prohibited supporting Georgian team at Georgia-Russia youth teams match in Minsk (Photo)

• 5.09.2008, 16:27

Riot militiamen were not allowing young people enter “Georgian” sector of Traktor stadium and didn’t let them join fans of Georgia at the match of youth teams of Russia and Georgia.

As the Charter’97 press-centre has learnt from a young activist Palina Dyakava, riot militiamen said to people who wanted to enter the sector, which it is a place “for those who root for Georgia”. Young people said they are Georgian team’s supporters too, but riot militiamen stopped them as said: “Address all your questions to Internal Affairs chief directorate’s General”.

Many Georgian flags were waving at the stadium; people are wearing scarves with the colours of Georgian flag. Supporters carried posters “Russia, Georgia, Belarus are together”, “No to War!”

Simultaneously, a prearranged handing out of Russian flags to fans was organized at the stadium. As the Charter’97 press-centre was told by football fans, unknown people in mufti were handing out flags. They didn’t present themselves or showed documents. The match was attended by cadets of the Military Academy, who shouted slogans in support of Russia.

The match ended in a 4-0 victory for Russia.

A qualifying match for the Under-21 Euro 2009 tournament between the youth teams of Russia and Georgia was to take place in Georgia, at Eduard Steltsov stadium, but emergency UEFA commission decided to hold it in a neutral field. The Russian football union chose Minsk stadium Traktor for this match.

Photo by ByMedia.net