Football fans harassed on the eve of match with Ukraine
On October 9, Barysau will host a match between the national football teams of Ukraine and Belarus. Meanwhile, the police have reportedly started haunting football fans, some of whom have been sentenced to administrative arrests for "swearing in public".
Belarusian and Ukrainian football fans intended to hold a friendly meeting under the slogans “Brothers Forever!” on a playground behind the football arena on Peramozhtsau Avenue. However, despite the fact that the organizers determined the format of “apolitical fight”, the law machinery decided to act preventively.
Several ultras of the Belarusian national team, including well-known Yauhen Aderykh, have been sentenced to 7-10 days of arrest for “using foul language in public” (Article 17.1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, “disorderly conduct”). According to the fans, among the detainees there are the authors of the banner of solidarity of the Belarusian and Ukrainian peoples, which is to be hanged out during the match. The fans stated that poster escaped arrest, unlike the fans.
Meanwhile, many Ukrainan football fans have problems crossing the Belarusian border – the border guards put stamps in their passports according to which they are banned entry for various periods of time. According to preliminary information, many football fans are expected from the Ukraine – all tickets for the guest sector (800 seats) have been sold out.
On the day of the match, a hot line for football fans is working: +375 33 352 26 98. There people can receive information about transport to the stadium in Barysau, accommodation, availability of tickets, etc.
