State Duma deputy and Olympic speed skating champion Svetlana Zhurova spoke about the scene at the Champions League clash between Red Star Belgrade and Manchester City, noting that the Serbians’ behavior did not come as a surprise. She reflected on the moment when fans sang the wartime era classic “Katyusha” during the match, and she framed the reaction in a broader, more comparative light. Her remarks were cited in the context of legal betting discussions surrounding the game.
Zhurova emphasized that the core point was not about punitive measures for the chant but rather about understanding the genuine warmth and enthusiasm of the Serbian supporters. She praised the enthusiasts as passionate, saying they are exemplary in their support and that their actions come from a sincere place. According to her, Serbians are among the few European fan bases that consistently show fervent backing for their teams without the need for external prompting. She insisted that the sentiment is not orchestrated propaganda from any outside power, and she cautioned against mischaracterizing their expressions as driven by political narratives.
The Champions League match concluded with Manchester City narrowly defeating Red Star 3-2. Manchester City, under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, had already secured advancement to the knockout rounds after winning all six of their group-stage fixtures. Red Star finished their group campaign in fourth place, a result that reflected the tough competition present in the group.
Since spring 2022, Russian clubs have been excluded from European competitions, a suspension that has limited their participation in top-tier continental football. The broader context of the season has seen clubs from various nations navigating the shifting landscape of European football, with participation and sanctions shaping competition and traditions across the continent.
In a separate note, UEFA previously imposed sanctions that affected a Polish club, limiting the club’s ability to play its next five matches with spectators in attendance. This decision underscored how governance bodies continue to enforce rules related to fan behavior and match integrity, even as fan culture remains a central and cherished element of European football experiences. (Sources: UEFA decisions and match reports.)