Belarus Football Fans May Face the Requirement to Translate English Banners

The question of mandatory translation of English content of banners brought to stadiums by football fans was discussed during the meeting on security of football matches, which was held between representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the State Security Committee, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Prosecutor’s Office, football fans, and FC Gomel officials.

According to Deputy Head of the Law Enforcement Department of the Gomel Directorate of Internal Affairs Sergey Shapet’ko, the question of translation of English banners will shortly be discussed between the Militia officials and representatives of the Belarusian Football Federation. Shapet’ko also mentioned that fans would be given certain time to modify banners and other accessories in order to “avoid any difficulties before matches”. The Belarusian Cup between the teams of the Belarusian Premier League 2013 will begin on March 30.