I'm not sure that putting Russia in Ukraine would be much better. Pretty much all of eastern Europe hates Russia.
Ironically, the ref today between Russia and Poland is Wolfgang Stark from...you guessed it; Deutschland!
, Grrrr, the sole mentioning of his name brings me very bad memories from 2007, although Argentinians must love the guy...... (footy speaking, that is)
If I tell you with my own words, part of my "4th world" spirit will pop-up again and probably will end up making the trip to Ukraine only to hit the guy on his nose for what happened that day ), but as an independent view of what happened, I`ll refer to you this link, that somehow it says it all (although as being biased myself, I believe he exagerated a little bit on our post-game behaviour, but whatever, .....) : http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/238024
Lol...sorry, man. I actually never rated him and wish he's just retire. He was kind of a disgrace again giving so many calls to the home team today.
The thing is, the current Ukrainian president is far worse than Tymoshenko, so he is not exactly in a position to administer justice to her
Happy I didn't waste my time going out to the Euro. As for the talk of London. Very diverse and didn't see any problems at any of the games I went to or any of the places. Did a lot of stumbling around late at night and always felt safe.
I read that the banner was of Dmitry Pozharsky - a Russian prince from the 1600's that defeated some Polish invaders and saved Moscow... or something like that.
Still I don't believe that nobody told'em before the EURO that for big majority of Polish people "is better to be dead, than red". Naughty, naughty provocators.
So, basically, if I understand it correctly, the media is blowing things out of proportions and Polish authorities pretty much had things in check? Correct me if I am wrong.
They should've learned that the first time. Remember, it was Yanukovich they overthrew for Viktor Yushchenko in 2004 after the former rigged elections. In other news... http://espnfc.com/us/en/news/1098887/russia-lose-euro-points.html Russia has been fined $150,000 (deducted from the Euro prize pool) for fan incidents in the Czech Republic match, and further incident will result in lost points in Euro 2016 qualifying in 2014/15. The Poland incidents are under investigation, which could (read: most likely will) lead to those docked points. Of course, Russia does have appeals.
The police took action (100 arrests) after there was multiple brawls, so earlier on they were unnoticed
Outside of Lviv Russians are not hated in Ukraine. Not at all and especially after the euro press. Based on what is Yanukovich far worse than Tymoshenko? Yanukovich may be an asshole and a horrible president but at least he never tried to hide it. Tymoshenko took down freedom in Ukraine from the inside for personal profit.
The trouble all seems to be in Poland. Ukraine, as far as I've seen anyway, has been absolutely fine. Not even a hint of trouble. Black fans don't seem to attract any attention either. Actually, the only hint of violence is my feelings towards to the PA guys at the stadiums, with their 'Heeeeey everybody, wave your hands in the air and dance!!!!' efforts at generating atmosphere making me realise those signs outside banned guns, knives and baseball bats really are necessary. If anyone cancelled due to that Panorama nonsense then they really are missing out, and that'd be really sad.