Spartak Moscow

Fan detained at World Cup after statue vandalized

Published Jul. 3, 2018 7:14 p.m. ET

MOSCOW (AP) Moscow police said they have detained a person after a statue was vandalized at the stadium where England played Colombia at the World Cup.

Russian social media users posted a picture of the statue of former Spartak Moscow player Fyodor Cherenkov, who died in 2014, with the word ''England'' inscribed in red across the chest.

Police said that an investigation is underway and ''as a result of the measures taken by police, the individual who committed this act has been identified and detained.''

Police did not identify the suspect, or specify a nationality.

The police statement was released at almost the exact moment England beat Colombia in a penalty shootout, indicating the person who was detained didn't get to watch the match.

The vandalism prompted a storm of criticism of English fans on Russian social networks, with users calling them poor guests at Russia's World Cup.

Cherenkov is not well known outside Russia, but remains a hero to Spartak fans after winning three Soviet titles and one Russian title with the club. When he died in 2014 aged 55, reportedly of a brain tumor, thousands of fans attended his funeral.

---

More AP World Cup coverage: www.apnews.com/tag/WorldCup

Get more from Spartak Moscow Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic