Archive · 2014 · From the print edition of Monday 12 May 2014, Vol. 22, No. 6,625
SportDerby Abandoned after Riot at NurGaz Stadium
The Kara-Ak derby was stopped in the 62nd minute after fighting between Neftchi and Tulpar supporters spread onto the pitch. About 60 people were hurt and 140 detained.
NURZHAN — Sunday’s derby between Neftchi Nurzhan and Tulpar Talas was abandoned in the 62nd minute after fighting between rival supporters spread from the stands onto the pitch at the NurGaz Stadium. About 60 people were injured and the Republican Gendarmerie detained about 140, according to the city health department and a Gendarmerie spokesman.
The trouble began before kickoff, two days after the Victory Day parade in Nurzhan. Neftchi supporters in the east stand, where the Vyshka group gathers, displayed St. George ribbons and a banner reading “Kobozev – Russian city”. Tulpar supporters in the away section replied with the Soviet-era slogan “Suitcase, station, Russia”. Objects were thrown during the first half, and early in the second fans from both ends forced their way onto the pitch. The referee led the players off and the match was not resumed.
Neftchi’s president, Rustam Bekzatov, condemned the violence and said the club would cooperate with the Football Federation of Irad. Tulpar’s owners, the Talas Commercial Development Group, called for “exemplary penalties”.
The federation’s disciplinary committee will meet this week. Officials said away supporters could be banned from future derbies.