Prominent sports commentator and television host Dmitry Guberniev has weighed in on the recent controversy involving Artem Dzyuba and comments made after the Wings of the Sovet match. Guberniev argues that both the Russian Premier League (RPL) and the Russian Football Union (RFU) should address the situation publicly, emphasizing that conduct like this cannot be tolerated in the sport. He referenced remarks reported by Sport Express to illustrate his point.
Guberniev pointed out that football players are not above accountability, stressing that a culture of tolerance toward inappropriate behavior should not be allowed to take root. He suggested that if there were personal issues behind Dzyuba’s actions, those are not excuses that absolve him of responsibility. In his view, the incident involved a direct threat toward a journalist, and that behavior requires a clear response from the authorities involved in football governance. He framed the journalist’s plight as one that calls for careful scrutiny of player conduct and proper professional boundaries, urging the authorities to ask, quietly but firmly, what is happening with the player and the sport’s image.
Meanwhile, the recent match between Lokomotiv and Krylya Sovetov at the RZD-Arena ended in a 1-1 draw. Dzyuba was not part of the squad for the game due to an injury, which kept him off the pitch despite his high profile in the league. This absence added to the ongoing narrative around his career and public perception, particularly as news about his behavior circulates in media and among fans.
February marked Dzyuba’s return to Lokomotiv, after a spell abroad with Adana Demirspor in Turkey. His time overseas lasted only a few months before both sides moved on, and the striker came back to the club where he has been a central figure in the squad. The transition reflected a broader pattern in the player’s career, with moves between leagues and countries often accompanied by scrutiny from fans and observers about his form and off-field conduct.
Since rejoining Lokomotiv, Dzyuba has contributed on the field with eight goals and five assists across 11 appearances, showcasing his continued ability to impact games when fit. In the current season, his production has included one goal across three Russian Premier League matches and another tally in the Russian Cup. Notably, he was unavailable for the August 8 league clash with Rubin due to his injury, underscoring the ongoing challenge of managing fitness while navigating public expectations and disciplinary considerations in high-profile scenarios.
Legal expert commentary at the time, provided by Владимир Гусев, indicated that Dzyuba’s contentious remarks toward the journalist are unlikely to trigger any formal outcome. The assessment highlighted the sensitivity around public statements made by players and the way these remarks are interpreted by media outlets and governing bodies. The analyst suggested that while the incident merits discussion and proper language use, it does not automatically lead to sanctions or other formal repercussions, pending official review and verifications by the relevant authorities.