Fans criticize RFU for refusal to react to appearance of Ichkeria flag in "Anji" sector

The refusal of the control-disciplinary committee (CDC) of the Russian Football Union (RFU) to take a decision after the incident with the appearance in the sector of the fans of the "Anji" FC (Makhachkala) of the flag of the self-proclaimed Chechen Republic of Ichkeria has caused a negative reaction of other fans.

On November 23, a sitting of the CDC of the RFU considered the incident with the appearance of a flag of the self-proclaimed Chechen Republic of Ichkeria over the stadium sector, where fans of the "Anji" FC were sitting during the "Zenit"-"Anji" match within the 31st day of the Russian Football Championship in St Petersburg on November 18.

"Deciding whether the flag was extremist or not is the competence of state structures. The CDC intervenes only when its regulations prescribe direct sanctions for such incidents. For example, when they hang out Nazi symbols," said Vladimir Katkov, the head of the CDC.

A "Zenit" fan Sergey wonders why so far the Ichkeria flag has not been legislatively announced to be an extremist symbol. "It's clear why we mustn't hang out a swastika, but the flag of Ichkeria is the same thing! So many people died in the wars against militants! My cousin was involved in the first Chechen war; now he comes to the match and sees their flag," the fan told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

"We are called fascists and Nazis; but who are then the fans of 'Anji', who are doing such things?" Alexei, a fan of Moscow "Spartak", asked.

The CDC and the police have revealed their helplessness by not punishing the "Anji" FC, said the lawyer and retired police colonel Evgeniy Chernoousov. "Hanging out the flag of the self-proclaimed Ichkeria, of course, is a challenge to the society. There is a special unit to fight extremism. They are very active in detaining 'dissenters' at marches and rallies, and every time to hold them accountable. Here, suddenly, they show such helplessness."