Country of fakes: Zenit and Gazprom staged an 'enchanting shame' at the Russian championship match

St Petersburg's FC Zenit made a ridiculous move during their match against Khimki in the 19th round of the Russian Premier League. The club's management decided to demonstrate the alleged presence at the Gazprom Arena of the team's ultras, who have been boycotting matches since the introduction of the so-called Fan ID law in Russia.

The organisers of the match had nothing better to do than record audio of the fans cheering and singing the club anthem. As a result, the spectators who came to the stadium listened to the soundtrack through the speakers, writes the No Fun ID Telegram channel.

"During the Zenit anthem, the trumpet was recorded and played from the speakers. Also, the speakers were used to amplify the anthem of the Virage (a sector with active Zenit fans) at the words "I want the flag to be blue" and whistling at "if the opponent is Spartak," the channel's authors noted.

It is interesting that before the game, Gazprom staff were strongly encouraged to attend the match. "We need your help! We need to get as many of your friends and acquaintances as possible to go to the football match!" the company's email message said.

The Russian media called the actions of the St Petersburg team a spectacular disgrace, telling of the many state employees at the stadium. The match itself, attended by 20,000 spectators, ended in a 3-2 victory for Zenit.

It should be noted that the law on the fan passport has provoked a real scandal in Russian football. Most fan groups have refused to apply for it and are boycotting matches, believing that the state and special services are simply tightening control over citizens.

As OBOZREVATEL previously reported, Ukrainian Premier League club Kryvbas went to a match against Shakhtar Donetsk with a message about the Russian occupiers on their shirts.

Only verified information is available on our Obozrevatel Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!