A bear performs before a Russian Second League soccer match between Angusht Nazran and Mashuk-KMV in Pyatigorsk, Russia
Animal rights groups have condemned the use of a bear that performed before a Russian soccer match.
The routine happened before a third-tier match Saturday in the city of Pyatigorsk. TV footage from the game showed the animal being led to the Mashuk- KMV Pyatigorsk club’s stadium, clapping at spectators. The bear, named Tima, also held the ball before handing it over to the referee.
The stadium’s announcer claimed that the bear will take part in the World Cup’s opening ceremony in Moscow in June, but World Cup organizers say that is not true. The club’s manager says it was borrowed from a circus.
The New York-based World Animal Protection group condemned the stunt, saying that it’s clear from the footage that “cruel training methods have been used” on the bear.
Rustam Dudov, manager of the Mashuk club which arranged for the bear to perform, told the Sport Express newspaper Monday that the bear was borrowed from a traveling circus which approached the club suggesting that the bear perform before the game. Dudov said the Russian Football Union approved the performance.
FAN RACISM
FIFA charged World Cup host Russia with fan racism yesterday, less than two months before the tournament begins.
Monkey chants were aimed at black French players, including Paul Pogba, during France’s 3-1 friendly win over Russia in St. Petersburg last month.
“Disciplinary proceedings have been opened against the Russian Football Union for this incident,” FIFA said.
The RFU said it is cooperating with the FIFA investigation.
“A request has been made to the Interior Ministry to identify several persons who were involved in these incidents,” RFU anti-discrimination officer Alexei Smertin was quoted as saying Monday by the Tass news agency. “If these people’s guilt is proven, then there’s a high likelihood they won’t be allowed to attend World Cup and Russian league games.”
Russia was previously charged with racist behavior by its fans at the last two European Championships. On both occasions, the RFU paid a fine.
It’s the third racism case this season at St. Petersburg Stadium, which will host a World Cup semifinal match. MDT/AP
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