Russian Premier League Gets Tough On Clubs In Terms Of Fan Behavior

The Russian Premier League has "tightened regulations imposed on clubs in terms of their responsibility for the behaviour of their fans," according to the AFP. From now on the visiting club will be "responsible for ticket sales for its fans" and will bear responsibility for their behavior. The league also issued an appeal to Russia's Ministry of Internal Affairs to "launch a legal action against those who violate the regulations." The league's meeting was called to "discuss an incident" that occurred at Saturday's league match between hosts Dynamo Moscow and Zenit St. Petersburg at the Khimki arena.The match in question was abandoned in the 36th minute after home goalkeeper Anton Shunin was injured by a "firecracker thrown by the visiting team's fans." The Russian Football Union disciplinary panel "will investigate the incident and take a decision on the case on Thursday" (AFP, 11/20).