Russian Held in France for 'Destabilizing' Olympics put Under House Arrest

A view shows the logo of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, in Paris, France, March 19, 2024. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
A view shows the logo of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, in Paris, France, March 19, 2024. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
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Russian Held in France for 'Destabilizing' Olympics put Under House Arrest

A view shows the logo of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, in Paris, France, March 19, 2024. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
A view shows the logo of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, in Paris, France, March 19, 2024. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights

A Russian citizen detained in France for "destabilizing" the Olympics has been placed under house arrest, Russian state news agency RIA reported, citing the Russian embassy in Paris.

French police said in July they had arrested a 40-year-old Russian man days before the start of the Paris Games after finding evidence at his home that raised "fears of his intention to organize events likely to cause destabilization during the Olympic Games".

RIA cited the Russian embassy as saying relatives of the man, whom it identified as Kirill Gryaznov, had informed them that he been placed under house arrest, Reuters reported.

RIA said the French prosecutor's office had told the agency that Gryaznov faced up to 30 years in prison on charges of helping a foreign state to foment disorder in France.

There was no immediate comment from French authorities on the matter.

Relations between France and Russia have deteriorated sharply since Moscow sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine in February 2022.

Earlier this month a court in Moscow handed out a three-year jail sentence to a French researcher, Laurent Vinatier, for violations of Russia's law against "foreign agents".



Ronaldo Frustrated as Scotland Hold Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo failed to shine in Portugal's 0-0 draw against Scotland - AFP
Cristiano Ronaldo failed to shine in Portugal's 0-0 draw against Scotland - AFP
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Ronaldo Frustrated as Scotland Hold Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo failed to shine in Portugal's 0-0 draw against Scotland - AFP
Cristiano Ronaldo failed to shine in Portugal's 0-0 draw against Scotland - AFP

Scotland frustrated Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal in a 0-0 draw at Hampden on Tuesday to avoid losing five consecutive competitive games for the first time ever.

The home side needed a wonder save from Craig Gordon to deny Bruno Fernandes a winner in the closing stages, but held out to secure their first point in the top tier of the Nations League.

Portugal remain on top of Group A1 but were made to wait to book their place in March's quarter-finals.

On his 216th international appearance, Ronaldo made his 200th start for his country, more than 21 years on from his first.

However, the 39-year-old failed to add to his 133 Portugal goals and stormed off the field at full-time ranting at the officials, according to AFP.

Scotland have won just one of their last 16 games - a 2-0 friendly victory over Gibraltar in June - and remain without a victory in a competitive match for over a year.

But Steve Clarke's men battled hard to stop the rot in Glasgow.

Scotland even had the best chance of the first half inside the opening five minutes when Scott McTominay headed too close to Diogo Costa from point-blank range.

Portugal quickly took control of possession without creating clear-cut chances.

Francisco Conceicao spooned over early in the second period from Ronaldo's lay-off.

Ronaldo then fired inches wide after making himself room for a shot amid a flurry of desperate challenges from Scottish defenders.

But it was Fernandes who had the best chance to claim all three points when the Manchester United captain's powerful low strike was brilliantly parried by Gordon and collected at the second attempt by the 41-year-old goalkeeper.

Scotland are still on course for relegation from the top tier of the Nations League as they trail Poland, who drew 3-3 with Croatia, by three points with two games remaining.

Croatia sit second, three points behind the Portuguese, who they host next month.