Lokomotiv footballer faces suspension over Putin picture

Moscow, Feb 17: Russian football side Lokomotiv Moscow’s midfielder Dmitri Tarasov could be suspended for at least 10 games after flaunting a picture of the country’s president Vladimir Putin in a match against Turkey’s Fenerbahce. Fenerbahce defeated Lokomotiv 2-0 in Istanbul on Tuesday in the first leg of the Europa League knockout stage. Tarasov lifted his shirt to show the Russian leader’s picture with the words “the most polite president” after the match. “It’s my president. I respect him and decided to show that I’m always with him and prepared to give my support,” the 28-year-old player said after the match. The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) on Wednesday opened discipliry proceedings against Tarasov. UEFA said in its statement that charges against Lokomotiv were opened for “Improper conduct of Lokomotiv player Dmitry Tarasov after the match.” “Players must not reveal undergarments that show political, religious, persol slogans, statements or images, or advertising other than the manufacturer logo,” the statement added. (IANS)