Dynamo Kiev executive suggests separating black and white fans to combat racism

Volodimir Spilchenko was being interviewed following attacks on four black fans during last week's Champions League game against Chelsea

Dynamo Kiev fans on a political march in 2014 (Getty)

The director of the Olimpiyskiy stadium where the Ukrainian soccer club Dynamo Kiev plays would like to make racism a non-factor at games, but one of the ideas he said he’s willing to consider sounds like it might actually make the problem even worse. He’s considering segregating the stands.

“We are trying, maybe, to make a separate sector [for black fans] in order to avoid racism,” Volodimir Spilchenko said, while being interviewed in the aftermath of last week’s attacks on four black fans in the stands during the team’s 0-0 Champions League draw against Chelsea.

Spilchenko didn’t come up with the idea on his own, but didn’t at all eschew it after it was suggested by the reporter.

Spilchenko called it a “good idea” and said, “We’ll probably listen to your offer.”

As word of Spilchenko’s seemingly serious consideration of this idea got out, ridicule poured in, especially on the social media sharing Web site Reddit, where Spilchenko spurred comments such as, “Jim Crowyenko,” “What is this, the 1960s?” and “Perhaps Uefa could avoid racism by separating Kiev from European football.”

The events of last week have not gone unnoticed by European soccer’s governing body. On Thursday, Uefa opened disciplinary hearings into the matter after video of the attack, which can be seen in the above report, was passed on by the anti-discrimination network FARE to Uefa.

“This terrible incident reflects many of the continuing realities of football in central and eastern Europe,” Fare executive director Piara Powar told the Guardian. “A report has been made to Uefa, who have regulatory responsibility for the match, and we will be lobbying for the strongest sanctions.”

Uefa is expected to make its decision on Tuesday.

Dynamo Kiev was previously found guilty of racism toward Everton players in March.

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