Belgian Football Fans Detained in Astana Over Borat-style Mankinis
Police in Kazakhstan detained three fans of Belgium’s Club Brugge during a Champions League match against Kairat at Astana Arena, Tengri Sport reports.
Videos shared on social media after the game showed the fans changing into swimsuits resembling the outfit worn by the fictional character Borat, portrayed by actor Sacha Baron Cohen. The stunt appeared to be aimed at mocking the host country.
Astana police said the incident took place on January 20 and involved actions showing disrespect to others and disrupting public order. The three foreign fans were detained at the stadium and taken to a police station.
Authorities opened administrative cases for appearing in public while intoxicated and for minor hooliganism. The cases have been sent to court, and the fans were placed in temporary detention, police said in a statement to Tengri Sport.
The match ended in a 4-1 victory for Club Brugge.
Borat Sagdiyev is a fictional character created by Sacha Baron Cohen and depicted as a Kazakh television journalist who portrays Kazakhstan in a negative light. Similar incidents have occurred in the past. Last season, when Chelsea visited Kazakhstan, police in Almaty confiscated a flag featuring the character from a supporter.
