These chauvenist, pro-iperialist, and often fascist displays were deeply worrying - but are not unique to Russian fans. Ultimately, their "This Is Russia" flag and its political message is no different from English fans' choruses of "Rule Britainia". For fascist attacks at Poland vs Russia 2012 read Combat 18 and NF at Ireland vs England 1995. Football does not, as many in the media would have us believe, exist in a parrallel universe; it is a microcosm of our society. Fascism is on the rise again in Europe and must be challenged on the streets as well as in the stands and terraces by all progressive forces.
