The Dagestanian newspaper "Present Time" noted that Mahir Shukyurov,
the Azerbaijani defender from Anji Makhachkala, didn't turn, like all
his team and their competitors, to the Russian flag during the
national anthem before their match with Sibir. The "Present Time" has described the situation in such a way: "During the Russian national anthem Mahir Shuryukov, as usual, deliberately turned away from the Russian flag, apparently staying true to his motherland". Yet journalists from the newspaper haven't asked the player himself and
haven't mentioned that he was last in the row and could not see when
everybody turned to the flag.
The aims of the "Present Time" journalists, touching upon the painful
ethnicity issue, are rather unclear.
Shukyurov has commented on the situation for the ExtraTime.az:
-No, I didn't turn to the Russian flag during the anthem, but I didn't
do this on purpose. I just overlooked the moment when everybody turned
- I was looking straight ahead. It was too late to turn back and I stayed as I was. And there is no disrespect at all. I am a patriot myself and I know what the national flag and anthem mean for fans and players.
-The Dagestani paper "Present Time" says that you have, "as usual,
deliberately turned away from the Russian flag, apparently staying
true to his motherland"
-There was a similar situation at the game with Alaniya. But, you see,
I am playing in the national team, and I know that it is wrong to move
during the anthem. If I had turned after the anthem had begun, this
would have been disrespectful. I have never faced a situation like this before, we used not to move. By the way, coaching staff and substitutes don't turn to the flag.
-So, you didn't do this consciously?
-No! Why should I disrespect the country where I live, work and get
money? It would be wrong. It's just a misconception.
-Do you think you could have problems in Russia?
-I think everything will be fine. I'm going to talk with the team's head board and explain the situation.
By Georgy Saralidze. Especially for VK.
