The Russians Are Coming
Posted on June 12, 2012 12:59 pm
The last time that Poland watched a large crowd of Russians crossing the Vistula it was 1945 and the invaders were riding on T34 tanks and dragging rocket launchers.
It’s a pretty safe bet that when history repeats itself later today the Russians won’t be carrying nearly as much military hardware as they did the last time – and in any case they’ll be headed east to Praga Południe instead of west into the lair of the Fascist beast – but Polish authorities are still plenty nervous about it.
Here are the Moscow police helping some local football fans enjoy the game
Here. as Beau Dure might note, are some Moscow football fans pointng at their opponents
It seems that, for Russia, June 12 is a national holiday – “Independence Day” commemorates the date when they finally ousted Joe Stalin’s ideological heirs and handed the country over to the Russian mafia, but hey: a party is a party – and as luck would have it it’s also the day that Poland will play the former Soviets in Euro 2012 at the beautiful new Stadion Narodowy (National Stadium) in Warsaw.
Which seemed to the local government and Euro 2012 organizers – weeks ago, it should be noted – plenty of reason to give the nod to a “fan march” from the heart of the city to the stadium.
I mean hey, anywhere from 5,000 to 10,000 booze-soaked Russian soccer fans marching en masse through the streets of Warsaw on the way to a football match against the Poles; what could possibly go wrong?
(Terrible idea of the day: one local government official suggested that, to change the dynamic, Polish fans should be invited to march along WITH the Russians in a “show of brotherhood”. Might as well bring along the Guinness people so they can certify “The World’s Largest-Ever Riot”.)
Now granted this was all planned long before last Friday when, in the wake of Russia’s 4-1 blowout win over the a shell-shocked Czech side, their fans attacked some stadium stewards for reasons which are still largely unexplained:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hg2UIMt9Sl0
In their official statement UEFA insists that although “some isolated violence” did occur (hard to deny when four stadium officials end up in the hospital) that “the authorities quickly and effectively gained control” of the situation.
Now it may seem to you and I like what really happened was that the thugs got tired of kicking and punching a couple hapless mopes and simply walked away, but UEFA assures us that’s really not the case.
Additionally the observers assigned by Football Against Racism in Europe (aka FARE) reported a “smattering” of racial taunting aimed at the only black player on the pitch, the Czech Republic’s Gebre Selassie.
It should be noted, however that FARE, which for all of it’s noble aims is a very small and modestly financed outfit, had a grand total of two representatives in the stadium. That’s not anything like enough pairs of eyes and ears to effectively canvas 60,000 people in a stadium.
In contrast, UEFA is neither small nor poor, and could easily afford to plant 100 observers throughout the building in an effort to make sure everything that goes on is reported. But that would require them actually WANTING to have racial taunting reported, and they most assuredly don’t.
For his part, Selassie has elected not to file a complaint. UEFA is looking into the two incidents anyway.
Conversely, Italy’s Mario Balotelli has in fact filed a complaint about being subjected to “monkey chants” during his team’s match with Spain. To their everlasting credit, a Spanish fan group has stepped forward and admitted that “about 200″ Spain fans were involved. They’re cooperating with authorities in an effort to identify those involved.
So we’ll see what happens on today’s march. Polish authorities are assuring everyone that they’re “fully prepared” to deal with whatever happens, which is certainly a good thing.
However, if the worst should come to pass and things get out of control, the photos of a couple thousand helmeted Polish riot police beating down an angry mob of inebriated Russians on the streets of Warsaw aren’t likely to make UEFA very happy.
Yet as bad as all of that might turn out- and here’s hoping for a calm and peaceful march, although one way to ensure that will be if someone can persuade the Russians not to carry those “Empire Flags” that were seen at the Czech Republic match; in the complicated political history of Eastern Europe carrying one of those through the streets of Warsaw is like waving a Swastika in front of a synagogue – it’s the people at FIFA who are more nervous than anyone.
As I’ve written previously, the elephant in the room in all of this is Russia 2018.
If putting Euro 2012 in Poland and the Ukraine was stupid, putting the World Cup in Russia is just short of insane.
For years FIFA gleefully kicked England around over “hooliganism”, going so far as to ban UK fans from traveling to matches in Europe. Which was very enjoyable; they really hate England.
But Russia is ten times scarier, and their racist fan behavior is even more egregious than in the Ukraine.
The fact is that after the Russians got done bribing the living snot out of FIFA’s ExCo and getting a World Cup everyone suddenly noticed that Russia is a really lousy place for it.
Qatar has gotten much more attention. (Doha was just rejected by the IOC for the 2020 Olympic Games because they decided the heat there in the Summer would be detrimental to the athletes health. Apparently the IOC doesn’t believe that immense flying air conditioners can really cool an entire country. Go figure.)
But Russia is in six years. In any case no one has yet come up with giant flying machines that will stop fan violence. It still has to be done the old fashioned way, with teargas and riot clubs.
So the biggest fear in international soccer circles is the scenario whereby Russian fans cause enough violence and drunken obnoxiousness that the somnambulent world footballing media suddenly notices that in six years the World Cup is going to the place where these hooligans have come from.
That will put Russia squarely in the spotlight and people will finally start asking questions which FIFA is trying desperately to avoid.
This is a serious, not snarky question (but it probably sounds that way, you need to read in some earnestness) – don’t you eventually just get tired of the omnipresent corruption of FIFA (and the IOC, while we’re at it)? I mean, you can sort of get rid of Pirate Jack or some other particular pile of snot who’s already stolen more money than I’ll see in my life – but all the heroism and sacrifice of the people who are thrown under the bus along the way sort of disappears and we’re left with another Pirate wearing a suit and stealing MORE bags of cash.
It seems your efforts (and those of a lot of other folks I admire) are like trying to polish the bottom of a latrine. Not to mention the actual pain/suffering inflicted by these guys on the folks who accidentally tried to be honest or do the right thing never seems to be particularly mitigated . . .
I don’t know what the next step should be, I mean, do you just stop pointing out what a bunch of kleptocrats are running around here? I for one am glad you do it, but it’s got to be tiring and the amount of avail seems very small.
If governments can be toppled, then so can FIFA, UEFA, IOC, etc. Not saying it would be easy or without it’s share of sacrifices, but bringing such blatant corruption to it’s knees is worth it.
Morris20 – The alternative? The global sport press conspires to ignore these issues, out of an apparently well-founded concern that they’ll lose their press credentials.
As a result, comparatively few in the general population are aware of the depth of corruption in world soccer (as well as with the IOC, notwithstanding the events around the Salt Lake City games). IMHO, the ONLY way this ever changes is that enough negative publicity comes to light, that the corporate sponsors become shy about having their brands associated with these scumbags. That won’t happen unless the antics of these scumbags is kept continually in the spotlight. Bill and others are doing heroes’ work: in some cases, [cough] *South Africa* [cough] at risk of life and limb.
On a lighter note, I live for the day when I can run FIFA, take much smaller bags of money (a cool $50 million tucked away in the Caymans should do it…I mean, there IS that unlimited expense account), and focus on modernizing the sport through such innovations as 20-foot high goals, adding a player to each side every five minutes of extra time in all matches, and skorts for all players, male or female. I can see that Nobel prize now…
I’m surprised the IOC rejected Doha for 2020. I mean, they like bags of dirty money as much as FIFA does. Look at Atlanta 1996 and Salt Lake City 2002.
Either way, the more egg on UEFA and FIFA’s faces, the better. From what I’ve read on here from others (because I’m not going to give this tournament a single second of eyeball time), the games have been boring, and most players look they’re playing not to get hurt. I’m glad. The sooner we can end these charades, the better.
Why Atlanta? Commercialized, yes, but all above board, no?
That was all Ted Turner. He bought that Olympics lock, stock, and barrel.
The IOC may still have its issues, but they did sort out the bidding process after 2002. Now the biggest issue is that some of the guys have long memories and are mad at the USA for rooting out the corruption problem, much like UEFA and FIFA get annoyed with English types because they can’t muzzle the BBC.
I’m actually not all that concerned about fan violence in Russia. If there’s any country that knows how to squash troublesome citizens, it’s Russia. The various security agencies will compile a list of undesireables and they will all end up taking an involuntary vacation until the WC is over. The remaining fans will get the message, or else. The Russian authorities will make sure the country looks good for the international media during the WC, in a way that would make Potemkin proud. Russians know that making the authorities look bad is not good for one’s health and even the hardest men among the hooligans aren’t eager to have the Russian state turn its loving gaze on them.
The bigger problem, of course, is the fact that the WC has been awarded to a country that requires us to have a discussion like this.
(And, BTW, Russians giving the Nazi salute? Their grandfathers must be spinning in their graves)
“If there’s any country that knows how to squash troublesome citizens, it’s Russia.”
Russia is also a country where those in power use troublesome citizens to squash other citizens who happen to be opposed to them politically. Environmentalist and activists routinely report being beaten down by groups of young men without any serious repercussions. So we will see what happens.
(And, BTW, Russians giving the Nazi salute? Their grandfathers must be spinning in their graves)
I thought the same thing. Must not teach history in Russia.
I’m really surprised that giving the Nazi salute doesn’t lead to an instant beatdown by passersby and police. I can’t imagine another country where such a salute should be less popular.
Yeah, this is just stunning. Tell me this would happen 15 years ago and I would have told you that you were crazy. But then again, all the “northern” kids in Indiana run around with the Confederate flag on their hats when their great-great-grandpas fought for the North vs the South. History is expendable to people now. Next I suppose people will be flashing the Nazi salute in Tel Aviv? I just am baffled by the incredible stupidity of these clowns.
Israel?
Taking a shot in the dark here and saying Israel.
Slightly surprised there’s two of you that don’t know Tel Aviv is in Israel. It’s actually the city quite a few countries recognize as the capital, including the US, because of the controversy over who owns Jerusalem.
Yea I know Tel Aviv is in Israel. I didn’t see that post when I replied. My reply was to Potowmack’s post
Yep. Just realized the tiered response. Just ignore my post
The reason you guys are surprised is that you have an oversimplified understanding of the Nazi salute. It’s not just about Adolf Hitler and the Third Reich, though that’s who popularized it.
This type of salute is generally used by fascists all over the world: Russia, Poland, Greece, Italy, etc… It’s not necessarily an act of allegiance to German Nazis, but generally used to place one’s own people above others. There are quite a few Russians who think their country is being overrun by foreigners and the salute is in response to that (as stupid as it may be). Fascism, blind nationalism, and ultra right wing tendencies, though displayed most viciously in former Nazi Germany, are diseases that can be found all over the world.
PS: There are actually neo-nazis in Isreal.
Does the Name Emmanuel Olisadebe come to anyone’s attention(or Oli)?
As die hard-Polish fans embrace what he did for the national team and black players alike, the world keeps his story in the shadows(many polish fans still dislike blacks but what an impact and change since before). Fifa threw him under the bus, his knee injuries made him a target for negativity in England. A worthy carrier and image torn apart by media and business..
Now in 2012 everyone is lead to believe that UEFA is being forced to “come out of the shadows” and “confront racism.”
While racism, riots steal the mainstream headlines in America, the image of football/soccer easily gets tarnished. Now Wilbon/ESPN “primetime” gets more material to further bash the sport. Like racism/fan clashes haven’t been in the international game before, please..
Imagine a healthy Oli in 02′ form storming the pitch in EURO 2012, the spotlight soccer could could receive in “our media.” Reguardless it’s a win, win for the non soccer/football fan and the people aiming to destroy the beautiful game.
Have you sought out professional help for your condition? “..win for the non soccer/football fan…” Talk about conspiracy theorist.
“Not angry pointing, happy pointing. Hey you, I know you!”
See Kyle? See Kyle! (say it fast)
Good one.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-18409776
Damn Bill for always being right. What voodoo magic do you use man? Think you could share the recipe with the rest of us?
“Police say they arrested at least 120 people and that 10 people were injured.
A heavy police presence was in evidence around the stadium after the match as further clashes broke out.
About 6,000 police were on duty to keep the rival fans apart.”
Well, sh*t. And here I was thinking that we were making a big deal over something that wouldn’t happen. I mean, surely the authorities over there couldn’t possibly be that naive.
120 people out of tens of thousands isn’t all that bad.
Compared to what I was afraid of, that’s almost a non-event.
Here’s hoping another Hillsborough doesn’t happen for FIFA to think it through…
Jimmy Conrad and the KickTV team were right in the middle of the fans yesterday http://youtu.be/gnDH0JJMk20
All Polish organized supporters are boycotting the Euro including the hooligan element who have stated before the event that they will not take part in any extracurricular activities outside the stadiums either. Until this game no one knew if that would prove to be the case, but it appears so. In addition a ton of arrests of known hooligans were made just prior to the Euro on either charges that were “stockpiled” to be used now or also some alleged trumped up ones. For these reasons the atmosphere in the stadiums is rather lacking but everything is going off with remarkably little trouble, all things considered. Yesterday’s scuffles appear to have involved just your regular, run of the mill fans.
Bill, or anyone else for that matter, got some links to the information regarding the Spanish monkey chants? I read the initial Daily Mail article that sounded like terrible journalism- seriously they quote a guy saying “I don’t know any Spanish, but one of those songs they sung felt racisty to me.”
Still I couldn’t dismiss the story due to the nature of Spanish culture, so I would be very interested in following it.
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