PAOK fires back at Dynamo Kyiv's UEFA complaint over Russian flag in the stands

PAOK have released an official statement in response to Dynamo Kyiv's complaint to UEFA about a Russian flag displayed during the first leg of their Europa League second qualifying round. The Ukrainian side lost 3-2 in Greece and reported the incident to European football's governing body. Now, ahead of the return fixture, the Greek club has hit back, insisting the rivalry should stay on the pitch. "For us there is only one fight - the one that takes place on the football field. We do not want to be participants in any other conflict. Our desire is to play football, maintain a sporting atmosphere and move forward. Nothing more," the statement read. PAOK also called on UEFA to apply the same zero-tolerance policy it uses against racism and xenophobia to all forms of provocation. "Ahead of the second leg between PAOK and Dynamo, we call on UEFA to show the same principled stance that the organisation demonstrates in the fight against racism and xenophobia. We expect a proper assessment of the blatant provocations directed against our club and Ukraine, so that such incidents do not happen again in the future," the club added. The return leg is scheduled for July 30 with a 20:45 kick-off.