 "FK Zalgiris fans stun football world with unique protest against coach — throwing suitcases")
Hurt by the club’s terrible performance on the field, FK Zalgiris’ fans took to a unique protest against the head coach, Vladimir Cheburin, during a recent league match.
During the clash against city rivals Kauno Zalgiris on 4 August, FK Zilgris fans threw suitcases onto the pitch, sending a clear message to the coach to “pack up and leave.” The act brought a momentary halt to the play, as players had to remove the luggage and clear the field before continuing the match. Cheburin was not perturbed by the fans’ act; rather, he applauded the gesture from the sidelines.
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FK Zalgiris’ Fans Demand Change
FK Zalgiris supporters demand a managerial change as under Cheburin, the club sits seventh in the A Lyga (the top flight of Lithuanian football) standings, 18 points behind the noisy neighbours, Kauno Zilgris. They have only won 7 matches out of the 21 they have played this season. Ironically, they have lost 7 and have drawn 7 as well.
The fans’ fury has been further fueled by the team’s recent elimination from the UEFA Conference League. Zilgris could not cross the qualifying play-off quarter-final stage, losing 0-2 on aggregate to Linfield FC from Northern Ireland.
FK Zalgiris’ achievements
The FK Zilgiris was founded in 1947. They were previously known as Dynamo Vilnius and Spartakas. The club adopted its current name in 1962. It carries a rich history in Lithuanian Football, and comes as one of the most successful teams in terms of domestic trophies.
Its domestic achievements include winning the Lithuanian Championship 10 times, Lithuanian Football Club 14 times, and Lithuanian Super Cup 7 times. Besides that, the club also participated in the Soviet Top League in 1987 and finished third in the competition.
Aside from the domestic glory, one of its most profound achievements is reaching the group stage of a UEFA competition. The club had qualified for the group stage of the Europa Conference League 2022/23.
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