More than 1,000 fans attend match in only European football league still open - in pics

Supporters defy boycott calls to attend Vysheyshaya Liga in Belarus

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More than 1,000 football fans attended Belarus' league match on Sunday despite calls from a growing number of supporters to boycott games due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Belarus is the only country in Europe where the national league is still being played, making it an unlikely draw for fans overseas starved of football action.

In choosing to stay open, the league took its cue from President Alexander Lukashenko, who has resisted imposing strict lockdown measures.

Many fans have chosen to stay away, but more than 1,000 attended the clash between FC Dynamo Brest and Isloch Minsk, one of three games played in the Vysheyshaya Liga on Sunday. Only a relatively small number were seen wearing masks.

Defending champions Brest won 3-1 to go third in the standings after four matches.