Moscow, Russia

  • Date
  • 28 August 1999

We went to a soccer match with the Moscow Torpedoes and a St. Petersburg team. Moscow won on a free kick, 1-0. While standing in the queue to purchase tickets, we noticed seasoned militia wearing bulletproof vests and helmets patrolling the grounds. Then when we entered the arena, after being sent back and forth between the same two gates four times, a dozen young militia carrying batons stood at the base of each section. Honestly, there was more militia guarding the game than spectators watching. I never saw a wild, rambunctious person, but was told young people often get out of hand at these games.