Zenit says NO to Anzhi banners

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Published time: December 09, 2012 17:29
Edited time: December 10, 2012 08:31

There will be no Anzhi banners at the Petrovsky stadium during the crucial Premier League clash with reigning Russian champions Zenit, as the game will be played behind closed doors.

The league ruled that Zenit should play two games in an empty stadium after an incident in which Dynamo keeper Anton Shunin was injured by a flare thrown from Zenit's stands at Moscow’s Khimki Arena.

During their first game without spectators, Zenit let CSKA Moscow fans put up two banners backing the Muscovites up for a 1-1 draw. This time, the St. Pete side decided otherwise.

“When Zenit played CSKA, the supporters were permitted to hang their banners to support the team,” the R-Sport agency quotes Anzhi's fan organization spokesman Zagid Kebedgadzhiev as saying.

“Our guys also wanted to make banners to support Anzhi, but it is unclear why they are not allowed into the stands.”

Three weeks ago, over 70 Anzhi fans were detained by the Moscow police after a banner in support of Palestine appeared at the club’s home Europa League game.