A representative for Dynamo Kiev’s stadium denied reports that they would implement a “separate section for black fans” following quotes given by the ground’s director.
Volodimir Spilchenko was yesterday quoting as saying he would “listen to your offer” after being asked whether segregated seating was the answer to racism in the stands.
The question came in the aftermath of a Champions League match against Chelsea in which four black men were attacked in the home stands of NSK Olimpiyskiy. Video footage of the incident showed home supporters chasing the fans out of the stadium.
In a post on the stadium’s Facebook page a representative claimed Spilchenko’s response, first reported by the Washington Post, had been taken out of context.
The statement explained: “Unfortunately, the journalists who did the interview used only the first sentence of the possibility of creating a separate sector and completely ignored the next sentence, in which the executive director expressed his position.
“The executive director vehemently denounced the idea of creating a separate sector or any other segmentation separate groups of supporters. He also said that he always opposed the construction of additional barriers for fans. However these words were not reported.”
The statement further confirmed that the Olympic Stadium would not consider a segregated area for fans.
Uefa are set to confirm what sanctions Dynamo face after the violence, which took place as the hosts drew 0-0 with Chelsea. The Ukrainian side have already been punished for crowd trouble this year, receiving a 15,000 euro fine after racist behaviour during a Europa League match against Everton.
