Fenerbahce Istanbul fans behaved in a way that overshadowed Dynamo Kyiv’s win in Ukraine’s second competitive game since Russia’s war of aggression began.
According to consistent Turkish media reports, numerous supporters of the Turkish club chanted the name of Russian President Vladimir Putin in the second half of the Champions League second qualifying round match. Fenerbahce and the European Football Union UEFA were asked for comments.
The Ukrainian football record champions won the second leg in Istanbul on Wednesday evening 2-1 (1-1, 0-0) after extra time. The narrow away win was enough after the 0-0 in the first leg to reach the third qualifying round for the premier class. Kyiv meets Sturm Graz.
Vitaliy Bujalskyj (57th minute) gave Kyiv the lead, followed by shouts of “Vladimir Putin” from the stands. Attila Szalai (89′) scored the equalizer for Fenerbahce shortly before the end of regulation time, who were outnumbered for a long time after Ismail Yüksek (53′) received a yellow-red card. Oleksandr Karawajew ensured Kyiv progressed in extra time (114th).
Dynamo had fought the first duel in Lodz, Poland, because of the uncertain situation around Kyiv in view of the Russian war of aggression. Since the beginning of the war and the end of the league, Kyiv had kept fit with test and benefit games – such as in April at Borussia Dortmund.