Everyone knows what kind of country Russia is—but no one wants to learn about it firsthand.Some England supporters were unlucky enough to do just that before and after their club's October 17th match against Russia in Moscow.
Multiple reports indicate that English fans were attacked. Some stories suggest the English supporters started the problems; others indicate that they were innocent victims.
Where lies the truth?
My basic knowledge of the Russian language has allowed me to glean some interesting insights from Russian media websites. Many of them contradict each other, with estimates of injuries ranging from zero to six to 15.
Russian police have made more than 15 (!) statements on the subject, but none of them contained official injury numbers. Reports from hospital officials indicate that there were indeed injuries sustained—and that they were consistent with an assault or a fight.
The UK Embassy in Moscow has appealed to Russian police to bring the guilty parties to justice. No arrests have been made.
But all that is just the official side of the story.
The Russian Internet (RUNet, as it’s called) hosts a number of football forums. Normally these forums are fueled by club rivarlies—but at the moment the attention is focused on the English attacks.
And the revelations are shocking.
There are graphic descriptions of the assaults, some of which saw bicycle chains used as weapons. Some postings have titles like “That day I’ve beaten 12 English supporters!”—with the behavior encouraged by other users.
People say that English fans are boors—and maybe some of them are. But they deserve better than this.
Many of the comments on the Russian sites are racist in character—and would be illegal in most European countries. In Russia, though, it appears that anything goes.
Consider the facts: People were assaulted, beaten, and injured—and no one was charged, much less found guilty.
So much for the rule of law.
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11 months ago
A very interesting insight....very good reporting Alexander!
11 months ago
Give us a break. It was a bunch of white trash thugs beating the crap out of each other. And you're using those incidents to make value judgments about Russia. It is you Sir who engaging in Russophobic thinking. Not surprising based on the way your country views all Russians.
Let just hope that the oligarchs continue to buy your football clubs. That would be the sweetest revenge to your anti-Russian rhetoric.
11 months ago
Mr Anonymous, how do you know my country and my origin? I think I know Russia better than many of Russians do.
And after all, I've described facts and post-facts in my article. If something isn't truth, please consider letting me know.
6 months ago
ENGLISH,U STILL WERE LUCKY IN MOSCOW,IF NOT OUR POLICE WHO LIKES TO KICK THE SHITE OUT OF OUR HOOLIGANS, THEN U WOULD HAVE BEEN REALLY IN TROUBLE. BUT ITS OK, WE WILL SEE U SOON!
RUSSKIE VPERED!
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