Lokomotiv Moscow midfielder Dmitri Tarasov demonstrated what not to do while playing in Turkey last night.
The Russian was part of the Lokomotiv team which went down 2-0 to Fenerbahce in the first leg of their Europa League last-32 clash.
And he made headlines post-match when he took off his jersey to reveal a pro-Vladimir Putin t-shirt.
The shirt had a picture of the Russian president on it alongside the words: “The most polite president.”
As a Russian national, Tarasov has every right to show his support for his country’s leader – but should he be doing it in Turkey?
Tensions have been high between the countries since Turkey shot down a Russian plane when it violated its border near Syria last November.
Tarasov’s tribute also followed a bottle-attack on the Lokomotiv team bus as it made its way to Fenerbahce’s Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.
According to dailymail.co.uk, the midfielder defended his actions post-match by saying: “It’s my president. I respect him and decided to show that I’m always with him and prepared to give my support.”
We’d now be amazed if Tarasov and Lokomotiv weren’t punished in some way by UEFA for the player’s political gesture at full-time.
And it’s sure to raise tensions some more with Fenerbahce heading to Russia for the second leg next week.
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