Ukrainian Ambassador to Turkey Vasily Bodnar on Thursday denounced Fenerbahce fans’ chants in support of Russian President Vladimir Putin during his reception at Dynamo Kyiv.
Video on social media shows several Turkish fans chanting the Russian president’s name in response to Dynamo’s first goal against the hosts in the second leg of the second leg of the Champions League group stage qualifying round.
Dynamo Kyiv won the match 2–1 after the two teams drew in the first leg match, which took place in Poland amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and advanced from the first to the third round of group stage qualification.
“Football is a fair game,” Bodnar wrote on his Twitter. “Dynamo Kyiv was stronger yesterday.”
He added: “It is very sad to hear words of support from Fenerbahce fans for those who are bombing his country.”
“I am grateful to the friendly Turkish people for supporting Ukraine and for thinking about the inappropriate behavior of the masses,” he added.
“La-la-la-la-la, Vladimir Putin!”
Fans of the Turkish football club “Fenerbahce” began to chant the name of the Russian leader after the goal of Kyiv “Dynamo” in the gates of their team in the Champions League match pic.twitter.com/fCmwjv0qT5
— Reader (@Lysenkosa) July 27, 2022
For their part, the Turkish press explained that the atmosphere was tense after the first goal of the match, which was scored by Ukrainian Vitaliy Boyalsky in the 57th minute.
“Boyalsky showed his joy in a provocative way. He was booed and he received a yellow card,” the Turkish newspaper Sozko notes.
Later, Fenerbahce fans began chanting the name of the Russian president, according to a video shared by activists on social media.
Dynamo Kyiv coach Mircea Lucescu refused to attend a press conference scheduled after the match, Turkish media reported.
“Everything went according to our plans, and we won. But we did not take into account the fans. I did not expect such slogans. What a pity,” the Ukrainian coach said in a television interview.
Source: “Agency”