Greek ultras for a short time unfurled the inscription “Destroy the Nazis of Azov”
Ukrainian Football Association (UAF) sent a letter to UEFA and the Hellenic Football Federation asking them to respond to the offensive fan banner Arisa in a match with Dynamo in the third group round Conference leagues.
“We are forced to apply due to an offensive and dangerous incident that occurred during the recent match of the third qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League between FC Aris (Greece) and FC Dynamo (Ukraine). In the stands of the Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium (Thessaloniki, Greece), an outrageous banner was shown against the defenders of Azovstal, namely Smash Azov nazis (“Destroy the Nazis of Azov”), which was visible in the broadcast of the match.”
“We assume that the banner was made by local ultras who are in contact with Russian fan movements, since the message on the banner completely coincides with the messages of Russian propaganda. The said banner was removed from the stands approximately 10 minutes later. However, the fact of this incident is very disturbing, as it is a dangerous signal of a deeply erroneous perception of the tragic events in Ukraine, as well as an example of the propaganda of violence at matches of competitions under the auspices of UEFA, which is unacceptable for the football family.”
“The defenders of Azovstal, also known as the Azov unit of the Ukrainian army, have no connection with the Nazis, like no one else in Ukrainian society, but this is a Russian propaganda narrative that it spreads around the world.”
“We ask UEFA and colleagues from the Hellenic Football Federation to carefully consider the described episode and find an opportunity to take strict measures against violators, as well as precautionary measures to prevent similar cases in the future,” the letter from the UAF says.
Dynamo lost to Aris in the first qualifying match (0:1). The only goal the Kiev team conceded from the penalty spot in the second half.
The return match between Dinamo and Aris will take place on August 17 in Bucharest at the Rapid Giulesti stadium. The bout will be served by an Austrian team of referees led by Sebastian Gieshamer.
Source: Sportarena
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