Aktobe Football Club published two statements on its official Instagram page following the scandal at the match with Ordabasy. First, the club called on fans to observe sporting ethics and respect one another, and then announced that it would pay the fines of six female fans who had violated the rules of conduct.
WHAT THE FOOTBALL CLUB STATED
Two posts appeared on the official Instagram page of FC Aktobe regarding the behaviour of fans during the match with Shymkent's Ordabasy, which ended with a score of 1:3.
In the first statement, the club emphasised that it does not support the actions of individual fans.
"Our team is a shining example of interethnic friendship. The personal views of individuals do not represent the club's position. Football is a platform for unity, not for discord. We call on fans to protect the club's reputation, observe mutual respect and sporting ethics," the publication reads.
Approximately an hour later, the club published a second message, in which it promised to pay the fines of the female fans.
"We will not leave our girls on their own. The club will fully cover the cost of paying the fines of six female fans. They have realised their mistake and promised to observe the rules in future. Fans are our pride!" the club stated.
WHAT HAPPENED AT THE MATCH
After Aktobe's 1:3 defeat, the behaviour of some fans caused outrage on social media.
According to published reports, fans insulted the referee and after the match chanted "Өзбектер!" ("Uzbeks!") at the opponents.
In addition, girls with a poster reading "NO SHYMSIDE, NO TEXAS FANS!" and an image resembling the flag of Uzbekistan were spotted in the stands.
HOW THE POLICE RESPONDED
The Police Department of Aktobe Region reported on its official Instagram page that it had found a publication featuring girls holding a poster with negative content.
"Police officers identified the minors. A preventive talk was conducted with them in the presence of their parents. The parents were held administratively liable for improper fulfilment of their duties regarding the upbringing of their children," the police stated.
Law enforcement noted that the girls had realised the unacceptability of their actions. The police also called on parents to explain to their children the rules of behaviour in public places.
HOW USERS RESPONDED
The statements by FC Aktobe provoked mixed reactions on social media.
Some users supported the club's decision to pay the fines, while others questioned whether it was right. In their view, such an approach could weaken the educational effect of punishment.
At the same time, in the first statement the club called for observing sporting ethics, while in the second it announced its readiness to pay the fines for the actions of the female fans.
Thus, the club took on the costs of paying the fines, although it had previously emphasised that the behaviour of individual fans does not reflect its official position.
