UEFA has charged a Russian footballer and
his club with improper conduct after he revealed a vest with a portrait
of President Vladimir Putin at a match in Turkey.
Dmitri Tarasov paraded about the pitch with the pro-Putin vest after his side, Lokomotiv Moscow, lost 2-0 in the Europa League match against Fenerbahce 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,' Tarasov said after the match
Tarasov told Russian news agency R-Sport: "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."
Relations between Russia and Turkey have been tense since Ankara shot down a Russian fighter jet it claimed strayed into its territory in November.
Last month Turkey accused Moscow of a second airspace violation and threatened "grave consequences".
Ahead of the game, bottles were thrown at Lokomotiv's team bus as it approached the stadium, slightly cracking one of its windows.
Police said three people were detained. Turkish media said all those responsible were Fenerbahce fans.
Lokomotiv Moscow called Tarasov's actions "inexcusable" in a statement on their website.
"Unfortunately, the club's staff were unable to prevent this incident as the footballer had not informed anyone of his plans," the club said.
"What Dmitri did was inappropriate and damages the club's and his own reputation.
"Tarasov will be fined in accordance with his contract with Lokomotiv."
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