Animal rights groups slam use of Bear at Russian football match

Animal rights groups have condemned the use of a bear that performed before a Russian soccer match.

The routine happened before a Russia second division match on Sunday in the city of Pyatigorsk. TV footage from the game showed the animal being led to the Mashuk-KMV Pyatigorsk club's stadium, clapping at spectators. The bear, named Tima, also held the ball before handing it over to the referee.

The stadium's announcer claimed that the bear will take part in the World Cup's opening ceremony in Moscow in June, but soccer authorities haven't confirmed that.

According to the club's manager, Tima was was borrowed from a circus.

The New York-based World Animal Protection group condemned the stunt on Monday, saying that it's clear from the footage that "cruel training methods have been used" on the bear.