Russia bans US rockers Bloodhound Gang over flag stunt

US rock group Bloodhound Gang has been banned from a Russian music festival after a band member stuffed the Russian flag into his underpants on stage.

Bass player Jared Hasselhoff was seen pushing the flag into the front of his pants and pulling them out of the back in a 31 July concert in the Ukrainian city of Odessa.

Culture Minister Vladimir Medinsky described the band as "idiots" and said they were "packing their suitcases".

Hasselhoff later apologised for the stunt, according to local media reports.