Pussy Riot protest amid World Cup final in Moscow

The World Cup final between France and Croatia on Sunday was briefly interrupted when four intruders affiliated to anti-Kremlin punk band Pussy Riot ran onto the pitch before being hauled off by stewards.

The pitch invaders, who were dressed in police-style outfits, were later detained by police, one of them told Reuters by telephone from a police station near Moscow’s Luzhniki stadium, venue for the match, Reuters said.

Police said they were investigating the four on suspicion of violating rules for spectating at a sporting event as well as for illegally wearing police uniforms, the Interfax news agency reported.

The former infraction carries a maximum fine of up to 10,000 rubles ($159.92) or 160 hours’ community service with a ban on attending sports events of up to three years. Wearing a police uniform illegally carries a fine of 1,000 to 1,500 rubles.

The pitch invasion was the first significant security lapse in the five-week tournament that has won hosts Russia widespread praise for organization and efficiency.

In a post on its Facebook page, the group said its action was intended to draw attention to what it said were human rights abuses in Russia.