The Akhmat press service in Grozny clarified that no altercation occurred during halftime of the home league match against Spartak. A spokesperson for the club emphasized that rumors circulating online about an incident at halftime are completely unfounded and do not reflect the actual events. While the game provoked strong emotions, there was no fight, and the players remained focused on the second half. The spokesman noted that when the team’s players re-entered the pitch, Promes and Berisha greeted each other with a handshake and exchanged wishes for good luck, underscoring the longstanding cordial relations with Spartak.
Earlier, a Telegram channel named BAZA had claimed that a member of the Chechen government, Magomed Daudov, intervened to prevent a clash between players from both sides. Those reports added a sensational angle to what was otherwise a heated, yet controlled, halftime moment in Grozny.
During the halftime interval of the 17th round in the Russian Premier League, tensions rose as Akhmat forward Bernard Berisha appeared to race toward Abascal to celebrate his goal, while the Spaniard responded by positioning his body to shield the ball. The moment prompted the match official, Evgeniy Kukulyak, to award a yellow card to Berisha and subsequently dismiss the Akhmat coach from the technical area. Following these actions, some spectators from both teams appeared to exchange heated words, and a scuffle near the tribune area briefly drew attention from officials and onlookers alike.
There were scattered comments from Spartak and Akhmat representatives addressing the incident, emphasizing that there was no sustained confrontation between players. The overall sequence was described by both sides as an emotional episode that did not escalate into a physical fight, with other players maintaining composure and the match continuing to its completion.
Public statements from team spokespeople reiterated the commitment to fair play and respectful competition, noting that the relationship with the opposing club remains professional and cooperative. The league continues to review the events to provide a clear, factual account for fans and stakeholders while ensuring that discussions around the match focus on performance and sportsmanship rather than sensational rumors.