There have been calls for Fenerbahce to be banned from UEFA competitions after a section of the club's supporters appeared to chant Russian President Vladimir Putin's name during a Champions League qualifier against Dynamo Kyiv.
The disgraceful incident occurred during the second leg of the second qualifying round tie at the Ulker Stadium in Istanbul on Wednesday night. Large sections of Fenerbahce fans could be hearing chanting Putin's name after Ukrainian midfielder Vitaliy Buyalskyi put Dynamo 1-0 up on the night.
Buyalskyi prodded home a cross at the near post before wheeling away and making an eagle gesture with hands, believed by some to be a nod to Fenerbahce's arch-rivals Besiktas, reports The Daily Star.
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That did not go down well with the home supporters, who proceeded to chant Putin's name as the two teams returned to line up for kick-off.
A video showing fans participating in the chant has so far been viewed almost 3million times. The clip provoked outrage online from supporters across the globe.
Some vented their fury about the disgraceful chant, while others even called for Fenerbahce to be banned from UEFA competition.
One person said: "Absolutely disgusting. Shame on you @FENERBAHCE_EN @UEFA it's your turn to close their Stadion for a loooong time!" As someone else added: "Please ban Fenerbahce from all your events. This is disgusting, pathetic and infuriating."
A third user responded to the video by saying: "We cannot accept these attitudes. Fenerbahce must be ban from all of the Europe leagues which is going to play at this year. @UEFA."
Another person agreed, adding: "Fenerbahce supporters cheered for Putin in the match played tonight. punish them heavily.. Ban for 5 years." One fan claiming to be a Fenerbahce supporter had a similar message: "I am a Fenerbahce fan but UEFA should ban us from European competitions."
Meanwhile, some else commented: "This is disgraceful. Fenerbahce leadership and players have to address this, as well as the many club supporters who are horrified." An opinion shared by another user, who said: "This is utterly disgraceful. Fenerbahce fans chanting Putin's name after kiev score. As a Turk, i am disgusted!"
There was some joy for Kyiv on the field as they came through extra-time to win 2-1 and book their place in the third qualifying round of the Champions League. Oleksandr Karavaev scored the winning goal six minutes from time after Attila Szalai had equalised for the hosts just before the end of normal time.
Dynamo will now face Sturm Graz in the third qualifying round, while Fenerbahce drop into the Europa League play-off round.
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