Footballer faces a dressing down after parading on pitch in pro-Putin vest

A Russian footballer has sparked controversy after pulling off his shirt to reveal a vest with a portrait of president Vladimir Putin after a politically charged game against Turkish side Fenerbahce. Dmitri Tarasov paraded about the pitch with the pro-Putin vest after his side, Lokomotiv Moscow, lost 2-0 at the Europa League match in Istanbul. Under the image of the president, pictured in a Russian navy cap, the slogan read: “The most polite president.”

It’s my president. I respect him and decided to show that I’m always with him and prepared to give my support.  What was written on that shirt was everything that I wanted to say.

Dmitri Tarasov

Lokomotiv are almost certain to face disciplinary action from Europe’s ruling football body, UEFA, which forbids political statements at its competitions. The incident capped a politically charged game before which the Russians’ team bus was pelted with bottles by Fenerbahce fans. Relations between Russia and Turkey have been tense since Ankara shot down a Russian fighter jet it claimed strayed into its territory in November.

I respect him as a footballer but this kind of action is unforgivable for a person of this level. Patriotism is not shown on T-shirts or on pictures.

Russian Football Union executive committee member Igor Lebedev

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