SAINT PETERSBURG, July 10. /Dunyo IA/.   Fergana-based football club “Neftchi” met with Saint Petersburg's “Zenit” on July 8^th in a friendly match, which took place at the “Gazprom Arena” stadium and gathered over 13.2 thousand spectators, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The stands were attended by representatives of the city authorities, diplomatic corps, Uzbek diaspora, students and residents of Saint Petersburg. To establish an organized support group, General Consulate of Uzbekistan conducted an information campaign on social media and engaged local bloggers, which brought more than a thousand compatriots to the match. In addition, “Zenit” provided over 100 free tickets for the Uzbek guests.

Fans supported the team with the state symbols of Uzbekistan, national flags and in traditional clothing.

The host side also prepared a special program for the guests. Announcements in the Uzbek language were broadcast at the stadium, the anthems of Uzbekistan and Russia were performed by a soloist of the Mariinsky Theatre and Uzbek food was offered to fans in the catering zones.

Match concluded with a 4:1 victory for “Zenit”. Despite the result, the “Neftchi” football players received prolonged applause from their fans.

According to the General Consulate's assessment, the event served not only as a sporting event but also as a platform for strengthening humanitarian ties between Uzbekistan and Russia, as well as consolidating compatriots residing in Saint Petersburg.