Pussy Riot Were Responsible For World Cup Final Pitch Invasion

It was us what did it! That’s the word from Pussy Riot, the anarcho punk band from Russia, who claimed responsibility for the pitch invasion, which disrupted the final of the World Cup today – with the entire world watching.

In all, four individuals were involved in the protest, which took place in the 52nd minute of the game, with one successfully running as far as the half-way line, and exchanging high fives with French star Kilian Mbappé, before being apprehended by security. The disruption lasted about a minute, with the Russian President, Vladimir Putin watching from the stands in embarrassment.

On their Facebook page, Pussy Riot were quick to announce their involvement.

NEWS FLASH! Just a few minutes ago four Pussy Riot members performed in the FIFA World Cup final match — "Policeman enters the Game".

They also released a longer statement on their Twitter account which explained the purpose of the protest, calling for the release of all political prisoners. There were six demands in all, including the demand to “allow political competition in the country” – a reference to Putin’s Russia.

THIS. ALL THIS ? pic.twitter.com/tOtCx39owk

— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) 15. Juli 2018

NEWS FLASH! Just a few minutes ago four Pussy Riot members performed in the FIFA World Cup final match — ”Policeman enters the Game”https://t.co/3jUi5rC8hh pic.twitter.com/W8Up9TTKMA

— ????? ???? (@pussyrrriot) 15. Juli 2018

Hot Press interviewed Pussy Riot, before their Temple Bar Music Centre gig in Dublin last year. See right (The 12 Interviews of Xmas: Pussy Riot Fight The Power!) for the full text of what was a truly fascinating interview.

A thrilling final saw France defeating Croatia by 4-2.

There was more embarrassment for the Russian President afterwards, as well as the President of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, with the presentation of the medals turning into a farce, as the sky opened and torrential rain soaked the players, as well as the French President, Emmanuel Macron and the President of Croatia, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, who were also on the needlessly open podium for the ceremony.

You'd think they'd have considered the possibility of a downpour – but apparently not!