Members of the Espanyol battalion published a video apologizing to a Zenit employee who did not allow a banner with the formation’s symbols to be placed on the stands of the Nova Arena sports complex in St. Petersburg.
Espaniola is a Russian volunteer formation fighting in Ukraine, consisting of football fans.
On Sunday, July 7, visitors to a beach soccer match carried a banner with the symbols of the battalion into the stands, but Zenit employee Maria Izmailova did not allow them to unfurl it. According to the girl, the banner was not agreed upon with the organizers of the sporting event. In response, the fan accused Izmailova of “not supporting the SVO.”
The Readovka Telegram channel, commenting on the video from the podium, wrote that “offended fans and volunteers” were allegedly “called Nazis.” In addition, pro-war telegram channels demanded that Izmailova be fired.
The day before, July 9, the press service of the Russian Football Union (RFU) reported that a Zenit employee was suspended from working at matches for “violating the algorithm of actions provided for in such situations.” The organization added that Izmailova “is not a full-time employee” of the RFU.
Today, July 10, the authors of the Espanyola telegram channel published a video with formation member Alexander and Maria Izmailova. In the video, a girl wearing a sweatshirt with the words “Glory to Russia” says she “fully supports” the unit and the country.
“We discussed this unpleasant situation. I made the right conclusions. I fully support the Espanyol division, I support our country, I am ready to help and cooperate. All for the sake of our common goal,” said Maria Izmailova.