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Turkish-Russian Tensions Erupt At Istanbul Soccer Game


Lokomotiv Moscow's Dmitry Tarasov wear the offending Putin T-shirt.
Lokomotiv Moscow's Dmitry Tarasov wear the offending Putin T-shirt.

A Russian team bus got pelted with bottles and a Russian player tore off his jersey to reveal a portrait of President Vladimir Putin at a soccer match against a Turkish club team on February 16.

Turkish police detained three people caught throwing bottles at Moscow's Lokomotiv team bus, which was headed for the Europa League match against Turkey's Fenerbahce team in Istanbul's Sukru Saracoglu stadium.

Police said the three people were drunk and that one of the bus's windows was slightly cracked.

Turkish media reported that Fenerbahce fans were responsible.

Lokomotiv may face disciplinary action from European soccer's ruling body after midfielder Dmitri Tarasov pulled off his team jersey to reveal a portrait of Putin in a navy cap on his T-shirt, with a slogan saying, "The Most Polite President."

Political statements are not allowed at competitions.

Ties between Turkey and Russia have been tense since November when Turkey shot down a Russian warplane near its border with Syria.

Fenerbahce won the match 2-0.

Based on reporting by AP and AFP

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