Russia signals rainbow flags tolerated at World Cup
Spectators will be allowed to fly rainbow flags at the World Cup, Russia's top anti-discrimination official for soccer indicated on Thursday.
Alexei Smertin, the Russian Football Union official and a World Cup ambassador, said spectators won't be affected by a Russian law prohibiting "propaganda" of homosexuality to minors.
"There will definitely be no ban on wearing rainbow symbols in Russia. It's clear you can come here and not be fined for expressing feelings," Smertin said at a news conference in Moscow to discuss race and discrimination issues in football.
The former Russia and Chelsea midfielder added it's unlikely gay fans could fall foul of Russian law, saying, "The law is about propaganda to minors ... I can't imagine that anyone is going to go into a school and speak."
