The match commentary during the Sochi versus Lokomotiv game drew attention for reasons beyond the on-field play. The commentator known as Roman Naguchev did not name Artem Dzyuba for a prolonged period at the start of the broadcast, a silence that accompanied growing public scrutiny of the striker. Reports indicate that Naguchev expressed disapproval of the attacker after Dzyuba directed strong language toward the work of the game’s commentator, Mikhail Mossakovsky, revealing a charged moment in the interaction between players and media figures.
In another broadcast scenario, Mossakovsky provided commentary for Lokomotiv’s clash with Krylya Sovetov and described the atmosphere as intense within the stadium. Social media activity later highlighted Dzyuba sharing portions of the broadcast and addressing the commentator directly with a confrontational message that contained insults. The episode underscored a broader pattern of provocative exchanges between players and journalists circulating on social networks and within post-match discussions.
On August 12, Lokomotiv finished the match with Wings of the Soviets in a draw, with the final scoreline 1 to 1. Dzyuba did not participate in that fixture. After the game, journalist Vitaly Borodin attempted to pose questions to the striker, who responded with a forceful and hostile reply. Earlier, Dzyuba had stated a preference to avoid traditional press inquiries and had suggested that interview questions should align with topics that genuinely interest her. Following these events, the striker faced a conditional suspension for two matches and a monetary penalty of fifty thousand rubles, reflecting the seriousness with which the league and club treated the incident.
Earlier conversations within the league context have included remarks by Slutsky toward a junior journalist described as a nineteen year old, which triggered discussions about ethics and appropriate conduct within the media arena. The ethics committee was expected to review those remarks and determine whether any formal action was warranted. The evolving narrative around these interactions emphasizes the ongoing discourse about accountability, media behavior, and the responsibilities of professional athletes when engaging with press and public audiences.