Dynamo Kyiv suggest segregating black fans to combat racism

Stadium director proposes idea to avoid repeat of scenes seen during Chelsea game

A Dynamo Kyiv stadium director has suggested segregating black fans in order to avoind future incidents of racism on the terraces. Photograph: EPA
A Dynamo Kyiv stadium director has suggested segregating black fans in order to avoind future incidents of racism on the terraces. Photograph: EPA

A Ukrainian stadium director has proposed to combat racism on the terraces by segregating black supporters to avoid the scenes witnessed at Dynamo Kyiv's recent Champions League draw with Chelsea.

Uefa has opened disciplinary proceedings against Dynamo Kyiv, who are facing thee charges including one of racist behaviour by supporters at the Olympic Stadium. Footage of an apparent attack on four black fans was obtained by the anti-discrimination network Fare, and passed to Uefa's disciplinary body.

And the director of Dynamo’s Olympic Stadium, Volodimir Spilchenko, has suggested that one of the potential solutions is to have a “black sector” in the ground.

“We are trying, maybe, to make a separate sector [for black fans] in order to avoid racism,” said Spilchecko in an interview reported by the Washington Post. Spilchenko also revealed that rather than coming up with the idea himself, it was proposed to him by a journalist, to which he replied: “We’ll probably listen to your offer.”

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Piara Powar, executive director of Fare, told the Guardian of the footage during the Chelsea match: "This terrible incident reflects many of the continuing realities of football in central and eastern Europe. A report has been made to Uefa, who have regulatory responsibility for the match, and we will be lobbying for the strongest sanctions."

(Guardian service)