Romania break UEFA rule at Euro 2024 as fans taunt Ukraine with Vladimir Putin chants
UEFA banned Russian flags at the Allianz Arena for Ukraine's Group E opener against Romania at Euro 2024 - a match which Romania ran out emphatic 3-0 winners
A group of Romania supporters have been filmed taunting Ukraine with chants of "Putin, Putin" inside the Allianz Arena.
Edward Iordanescu's side had just 28 per cent possession yet they still ran out 3-0 winners thanks to a cluster of memorable goals from Nicolae Stanciu, Razvan Marin and Denis Dragus in their Euro 2024 opener.
However, the historic result was overshadowed by the actions of supporters in the stands. A clip on social media platform X has surfaced of Romania fans chanting Russian President Vladimir Putin's name to the beat of a drum.
It comes after UEFA decided to ban Russian flags from all of Ukraine's fixtures in Germany in fear their presence could lead to serious security issues inside match venues.
A UEFA spokesperson said: "Russian flags will not be allowed at matches of the Ukrainian national team. All flags are generally admitted unless they are considered provocative and/or discriminatory and/or could represent a security issue."
But that didn't stop Romanian fans from sneaking in a Russian DPR flag - considered highly offensive by the people of Ukraine. Meanwhile, Putin also decided that the match would not be aired on any TV stations in Russia. Ukraine's upcoming Group E matches against Slovakia and Belgium will also be banned from Russia television.
Ukraine supporters were heard singing one of their go-to chants called 'Putin khuylo', meaning "Putin is s***" in Munich during the build-up to their opening contest against Romania.
Serbian fans in Gelsenkirchen were also heard chanting Putin's name ahead of their 1-0 defeat by England as their President Alexander Vucic is an ally of the Russian leader.
Ukraine are competing at their first major tournament since Russia invaded in February 2022 - having played the majority of their qualification matches in nearby Poland due to ongoing conflict.
Yet they will want to forget Monday's defeat in a hurry. Romania took the lead when veteran attacker Stanciu let fly from range, bending into the top corner for an early Goal of the Tournament contender.
Marin then doubled Romania's advantage on 53 minutes when his low drive from distance squirmed under the arms of Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. Dragus then made sure of the points four minutes later when he tapped home after the ball was played across the face of goal.
Tottenham defender Radu Dragusin was a menace in defence for Romania as La Liga top goalscorer Artem Dovbyk of Girona endured a tough afternoon. Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk also struggled on what proved to be a difficult afternoon.
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