After what happened at Euro 2016, especially in Marseille, Russian football supporters can hardly be shocked that there was English concern when Tottenham Hotspur drew CSKA Moscow in the Champions League.
Russia’s L!FE has been speaking to a prominent member of CSKA’s fan group who doesn’t think the numbers of travelling fans are being reportedly correctly, but also doesn’t think there’s much to worry about.
L!FE quote Dmitry Bugrov as saying: “To be honest, I don’t believe the official reports that 300 fans are visiting Moscow. Even if this is the case, the fans won’t be as crazy as in Marseille today.
“The English know that there’s strict rules in Moscow. Here they will not be allowed to roam. As a rule, these guys are going to the place where a lot is allowed. As it was in Marseille. Moscow, again, is another matter.
“CSKA Moscow in recent years has repeatedly drawn the English clubs. A year ago, United came to Moscow, two years ago Manchester City, even earlier it was Chelsea. And I do not remember any conflict, no hassle.”
Bugrov then went on to speak about the trouble in Marseille, and has a very Russia friendly view of it: “As far as I know, in Marseille problems began with the provocative behaviour of the British. Then the French came, thanking our guys for having helped to pacify the British, to restore order. The police did not succeed.”
Positive news for Tottenham fans was Bugrov saying: “For our part we are not going to provoke anyone. CSKA fans are very calm and fair.”
