Pussy Riot members charged over World Cup final pitch invasion

Members of Pussy Riot have been charged following the pitch invasion (Aaron Chown/PA) Credit: PA Wire/PA Images

Authorities in Moscow have charged members of the punk protest group Pussy Riot with “violation of spectators’ rights” and illegally wearing police symbols when they ran onto the field during the World Cup final.

The Interfax news agency reported late on Sunday that the four could face penalties of up to 11,500 rubles (£139) or 160 hours of community service.

Pussy Riot claimed responsibility for the protest. Credit: Aaron Chown/PA

Three men and a woman dressed in police uniforms interrupted the title match between France and Croatia early in the second half at Moscow’s 81,000-seat Luzhniki Stadium.

The interruption was seen by Russian president Vladimir Putin from his VIP box and by international broadcast audiences watching one of the world’s most viewed sporting events.

Pussy Riot issued statements on social media calling for the curtailing of policing powers and other reforms in Russia.

The group has antagonised Putin for years and members have served time in prison for staging various high-profile protests.