Four Russian top flight sides, worried at recent outbreaks of hooliganism, called on their fans Saturday to end the violence and respect opposing supporters.
Officials of Moscow clubs Spartak, CSKA and Dynamo, along with Saint Petersburg side Zenit, published an advertisement in Russia's popular daily Sport Express calling on fans to behave after a series of violent clashes in recent decades.
"We ourselves should stop the football hooligans otherwise the further progress of the game in Russia will never be possible," the clubs said.
"Violence at Russia's stadiums should never occur again," they insisted.
The advert was signed by the club's presidents, head coaches, players and the heads of their fan clubs.
Earlier this year Russia's Football Union and Professional Football League also demanded that all teams tighten security measures before, during and after league matches to prevent further clashes between fans.
Only last week Russian football authorities said they would investigate a reported attack on match officials who were beaten up by unknown assailants in the dressing room after a match between Anji and Dynamo -- MOSCOW (AFP)
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