"Dynamo Kyiv: "We are proud of our star - Olga Harlan!" (PHOTOS, VIDEO)

Dynamo Kyiv has expressed support for Ukrainian sabre fencer Olga Harlan.

"It was a great victory and a very important gesture! We are proud of our star - Olga Harlan! Justice exists and it is worth fighting for. We wish you victory in the tournament!" reads the official statement of the Dynamo press service.

As a reminder, today Harlan defeated Russian Anna Smirnova (15:7) at the World Fencing Championships and did not shake hands with her after the fight. Harlan responded by brandishing her sword, saying something to the Russian and leaving.

Smirnova lodged a protest against Harlan for not showing "respect" and stayed on the track for more than 50 minutes after the match. According to FIE rules, an athlete can be disqualified for refusing to shake hands.