Dynamo Kyiv condemn provocation after PAOK tie in Lublin

Dynamo Kyiv’s Europa League qualifier against PAOK in Lublin was overshadowed by a serious flashpoint in the stands after a Russian flag was displayed by supporters of the Greek side. The incident prompted an angry reaction from Ukrainian fans and later drew strong public comments from Dynamo coach Ihor Kostiuk and captain Oleksandr Pikhalyonok.

Match in Lublin marred by crowd trouble

The second-round Europa League qualifying match was played in Lublin, with Ukrainian clubs still unable to host European fixtures in their own country because of Russia’s ongoing attacks on Ukraine. Against that backdrop, the appearance of a Russian flag in the PAOK section quickly became the central talking point of the night.

According to the source material, clashes followed in the stands, where Widzew Lodz supporters were also present in the PAOK sector. Security staff reportedly used gas in an attempt to calm the situation as tensions escalated.

Ukrainian supporters responded furiously to the provocation, and after the final whistle Dynamo players moved towards the away end before the situation was brought under control.

Kostiuk: It was a deliberate provocation

Dynamo coach Ihor Kostiuk did not hide his anger when addressing the scenes after the game. He described the display of the Russian flag as a deliberate act by PAOK supporters and said the reaction from Dynamo fans and players reflected the depth of feeling around the war in Ukraine.

“It was a deliberate provocation from the fans of the Greek team,” Kostiuk said, as cited by sport.ua. “They deliberately brought a Russian flag.”

Kostiuk said those responsible failed to understand the reality of the war and the suffering it continues to cause in Ukraine. He also thanked the Armed Forces of Ukraine for allowing the team to continue playing and representing the country internationally.

Pikhalyonok praises PAOK players’ response

Captain Oleksandr Pikhalyonok also spoke after the match and said Dynamo had expected attempts to provoke them. He revealed that the team had run towards the stands, but that PAOK’s players helped calm the situation.

“They tried to provoke us this time as well,” Pikhalyonok said, according to sport.ua. “We were already running towards the stands, but the PAOK players calmed us down. They understand that there is a war in our country.”

While critical of the supporters who displayed the flag, Pikhalyonok acknowledged the conduct of the opposition players, saying they reacted properly and even approached their own fans. Even so, he said he expects further provocation in the return leg in Greece.

Dynamo face uphill task in return leg

The result leaves Dynamo trailing by one goal ahead of the away leg after a 3-2 defeat as the nominal home side in Lublin. Tomasz Kedziora played the full match for the Ukrainian team.

The return game is scheduled for 30 July and will carry added significance for Kedziora, who is set to return to a stadium where he spent the previous three and a half years with PAOK and won the Greek title.

• Dynamo Kyiv lost 3-2 to PAOK in Lublin
• The match was part of the Europa League qualifiers
• Ihor Kostiuk and Oleksandr Pikhalyonok condemned the flag incident
• Tomasz Kedziora played the full 90 minutes