Fenerbahce Supporters Criticized For Mocking Ukrainian Club Dynamo Kyiv By Shouting Russian President Vladimir Putin's Name

Fenerbahce fans. (PHOTO/INSTAGRAM @fenerbahce)

JAKARTA - Fenerbahce fans have been widely criticized. This is because they mocked Ukrainian club Dynamo Kyiv by shouting the name of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The incident occurred when Kyiv won 2-1 over the Turkish giants in the race for tickets to the third round of the 2022/2023 European Champions League qualification in Istanbul, Turkey, on Wednesday, July 27 yesterday.

In the footage circulating, Fenerbahce fans chanted Putin's name in the 57th minute as the Kyiv visitors scored the lead through Buyalskyi.

This action is seen as a mockery of the current state of war in Ukraine. As is known, Ukraine has not been in a conducive condition since Russia invaded last February.

However, there are those who think that the Fenerbahce fans' mockery was carried out as a reaction to Buyalskyi's goal celebration. He is suspected of provoking by making hand gestures like an eagle.

This movement refers to another Turkish giant Besiktas who is none other than the mortal enemy of Fenerbahce. However, the reaction of Fenerbahce supporters to the celebration was deemed completely inappropriate.

"Despite the 'provocative' actions of the Dynamo players, the response from Fenerbahce fans is still completely inappropriate and frankly, cheap," wrote one netizen.

Meanwhile, some fans are urging UEFA to ban Fenerbahce supporters from any competitions in the future.

"They are fans of the most racist team I have ever seen. @UEFA should ban them for all competitions ASAP," wrote another netizen.

"#UEFA_Champions_League you guys have to ban those rats!!!!!! This is not football! This is not fair game! #UEFA," replied another.

"As a Turk I am really ashamed and sorry for what happened, these are disgusting fans," another commented.

According to a report by The Guardian, UEFA itself has launched an disciplinary investigation into Fenerbahce over this incident. Further information regarding the process will be announced later.

Dynamo Kyiv will take on Everton in a friendly dubbed the 'Match for Peace' at Goodison Park on Saturday. The money raised from the match will go to Ukraine.

Kyiv will next face Austrian side Sturm Graz over two legs in the final qualifying round of the Champions League. Meanwhile, Fenerbahce had to go down to the Europa League play-offs after the defeat.