22.10.2015

UEFA open disciplinary proceedings against Dynamo Kyiv over fans’ racist attack

UEFA have opened disciplinary proceedings against Dynamo Kyiv following a racist attack by a group of fans of the Ukrainian side at the Champions League match against Chelsea on 20 October.

European football’s governing body confirmed in a statement on Thursday, 22 October, that the Ukrainian champions are facing three charges, including one of racist behaviour by supporters at the Olympic Stadium.

A video captured by a Fare observer in attendance at the match shows a group of Dynamo Kyiv fans attack four black supporters standing a few meters away and as they try to run away other member of the crowd engage in the violent attack.

Following the incident, a Fare observer report was sent to UEFA for action.

Fare Executive Director Piara Powar official statement read:

"This incident reflects many of the continuing realities of football in central and Eastern Europe. The fact that there are so many far-right groups now physically or intellectually in control of stadiums, the victims they choose who are usually minorities of one kind or another, and the brutality used to attack their victims.

"One of the many problematic issues and questions for Dynamo Kiev here is the way in which stadium security staff simply watched as the attack took place.

"We are pleased that UEFA have opened proceedings and will await their action in due course.

"We are also in the process of raising it with law enforcement authorities in Ukraine and will await to see what action is being taken. There are reports on an online fan forum that the victims were chased to the entrance and one was stabbed. We have no confirmation of this."

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