Moscow, Nov 2 (IANS): Police detained a football fan carrying a Nazi flag in a Russian Cup match, the Russian Football Union (RFU) said Saturday.

The match was held Oct 31 between Shinnik Yaroslavl and Spartak Moscow in the city of Yaroslavl when a man ran onto the field with the Nazi flag, Artur Grigoryants, head of the Russian Football Union's Control and Disciplinary Commission, told local media, reports Xinhua.

Since the football fan's affiliation with any fan group has not been determined, the Shinnik Yaroslavl has been held responsible for the behaviour as the host party, said the official.

The violator's identity has not been verified. Once his identity has been determined he could be held "criminally liable", Grigoryants said.

Some 40 others were also detained after brawls at the football match between Shinnik and Spartak supporters.

During the game, a fan ran onto the field and climbed over the barrier into the sector of Spartak fans. Some other fans broke plastic chairs and threw chairs at each other and policemen. The match was temporarily suspended and resumed later.

After the match, Spartak fans were accompanied by police to leave Yaroslavl in 12 buses and a special train.