Three Club Brugge supporters have been sentenced to five days in prison in Kazakhstan after wearing mankinis, the fluorescent green swimwear famously sported by the fictional character Borat, during a Champions League match. The trio were arrested at the Astana Arena on Tuesday after stripping down to the revealing costumes.
The mankini, popularised by Sacha Baron Cohen in his 2006 film 'Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan,' has long been a source of controversy in the Central Asian nation. The film satirises both Kazakhstan and the United States.
More than 500 Belgian fans made the 6,000-kilometre journey to watch the match against Kairat Almaty. Local police confirmed the arrests, stating the men committed acts showing disrespect and disturbing public order. They were charged with public drunkenness and minor hooliganism, leading to the jail term on Wednesday.
Belgium's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is monitoring the situation and providing consular support but declined further comment for privacy reasons. Kazakhstan had previously threatened legal action over Baron Cohen's portrayal but later adopted Borat's catchphrase 'Very Nice!' for tourism promotion.
Club Brugge won the match 4-1, keeping their hopes alive for Champions League play-off qualification. They currently sit 27th in the 36-team table, needing a top-24 finish to advance.
