By Andrew Warshaw
August 29 – Kazakhstan champions Shakhtar Karagandy, dramatically knocked out by Celtic 3-2 on aggregate in the Champions League playoff round on Wednesday, have been warned by UEFA that they could face disciplinary action if they continue the practise of ritually slaughtering sheep before European games.
Animal rights groups have been up in arms and UEFA’s competition department has written to FC Shakhter Karagandy informing them that barbaric animal slaughter was “not acceptable in or around our competitions” and that the club would face sanctions if there is any repeat of killing a sheep which happened the day before the first-leg playoff tie against Celtic.
Animal rights group PETA said in a statement: “We’re very grateful for UEFA’s swift and firm action condemning such cruel and archaic practices.”
“UEFA has sent a clear message that there is absolutely nothing sporting about violence towards animals.”
But Karagandy manager Viktor Kumykov shrugged off UEFA’s warning. “Every club has their own pre-match traditions and rituals,” he was quoted as saying. “All I can say is that we will try to respect our traditions. Certain traditions can have a psychological effect on players and help them to relax before the game.”
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