At the start of the Russian Football League third division game between Mashuk-KMV and Angusht in Pyatigorsk, a grizzly bear was ‘used’ to hand the match ball to match referee. The bear, reportedly known as Tim, was also involved in some pre-match activities. Apparently, animal rights activists have slammed the organisers for using the bear. In a widely circulated video, the bear is seen standing on his hind legs while clapping to fans.

Elisa Allen, director of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) UK, has reacted strongly to this incident and termed it “downright dangerous” as well. "In addition to being inhumane and utterly out of touch, using a bear as a captive servant to deliver a football is downright dangerous," Elisa Allen said in a statement.

"The bear is the symbol of Russia, so we hope the country's people will show some compassion and national pride and stop abusing them. Common decency should compel the league to pull this stunt,” she added.

Meanwhile, fans also reacted to this incident and apparently were not amused by it. Reactions started to pour in as soon as the video went viral on Youtube and other social media platforms.

Russia will be hosting the 2018 FIFA World Cup and Angusht had claimed on their Facebook page that Tim would be used during the opening ceremony of the tournament as well. However, FIFA refuted the claims and clarified that no animal will be used during the opening ceremony of the World Cup, which begins on June 14 at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 17, 2018 07:40 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).