A professional hockey team in Russia is facing some backlash after dropping its cheerleaders, according to multiple reports out of Europe.
AK Bars, a professional hockey team in Russia, reportedly dropped its cheerleaders in favor of a more “family-friendly” atmosphere.
According to multiple reports, some of the players’ wives had expressed “jealousy” about the team’s cheerleaders.
“The arguments were that supposedly other people’s wives don’t react very well to beautiful girls. Therefore, the club decided to abandon the services of the support group altogether,” former cheerleading leader Rigina Barieva said, according to multiple Russian outlets.
The cheerleaders have since taken to Instagram to ask fans for support.
“We don’t want to leave our home club! We love hockey and AK Bars! Let’s fix the current situation together,” the post reads.
The team, meanwhile, said the decision to remove the cheerleaders adds for more space for fans. The team has also reportedly been taking a course in “family values and cultural leisure.”
The AK Bars will open their 2021-22 season on Thursday against Jokerit. The team plays in the Kontinetal Hockey League.
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