Dmitry Smirnov weighs in on the lifetime ban controversy after a referee attack in Chelyabinsk
The founder and president of the Russian Amateur Football League, Dmitry Smirnov, who also serves as the head coach for the national teams competing in 6×6, 7×7, and 8×8 formats, commented on the recent lifetime disqualification decision involving Telman Snjoyan. The incident stemmed from an assault on a match official during an 8×8 contest in the North-Western League, held in Chelyabinsk. Smirnov stressed that the integrity and safety of referees are essential to the sport and to the proper functioning of every league. He highlighted the need for robust, long-lasting protections for referees who officiate matches, arguing that penalties must reflect the seriousness of any violent actions. In Smirnov’s view, even if a full lifetime ban is not always the outcome, the duration of any suspension should be substantial, especially when a participant raises a hand against an official. He pointed to the broader context of the case, noting that there was more than a single moment of misjudgment and that the episode bore clear aggravating conditions for the aggressor. The focus, he suggested, should extend beyond one incident to reinforce deterrence and ensure the long-term safety and respect essential to competitive football.
Smirnov’s remarks come as the football community digests the details of Telman Snjoyan’s actions against a referee, Georges Maxim of Cameroon, during a match between FC Bazhova and Katren. The confrontation occurred at a moment when Snjoyan’s team had just relinquished a lead, turning a previously secured 3:1 advantage into a lost opportunity as the scoreboard finished at 3:4. The sequence started with the dismissal of Tital Snjoyan, identified as the brother of the captain of FC Bazhov, which preceded the escalation that led to the confrontation with the official. Smirnov emphasized that such behavior undermines the spirit of the game and jeopardizes the safety of match officials, players, and spectators alike. He noted that disciplinary measures should be consistent with the severity of the misconduct, and he urged league administrators to treat the case as a clear precedent for protecting referees and maintaining order on the field. The response from league authorities, including the North-West League 8×8 organization based in Chelyabinsk, has been to publish a formal decision regarding the incident, signaling a public commitment to upholding standards and reinforcing the boundaries that separate competitive intensity from outright aggression. Smirnov’s perspective aligns with a broader push across the amateur and semi-professional football networks to standardize punishments, deter violent acts, and ensure that referees can perform their duties without fear. He underscored that consistent enforcement serves as a foundation for fair play, predictable outcomes, and the ongoing credibility of the national leagues that rely on the cooperation of players, coaches, and officials. The discussion around the case continues to influence policy development within the regional circuits, as administrators weigh appeals, revisions to conduct codes, and the practical implications for teams facing serious misconduct charges. In Smirnov’s assessment, protecting referees is not merely about punitive measures but about fostering a culture where respect for authority is non-negotiable and where all participants understand the serious consequences of aggression. He closed with a call for clear guidelines and transparent processes that reassure clubs, supporters, and sponsors that the sport remains safe, competitive, and disciplined.
As the situation unfolds, the North-West League’s 8×8 division in Chelyabinsk has taken steps to communicate the decision and its implications for ongoing and future competitions. The case has reignited conversations about how to balance competitive drive with safety protocols, proper conduct, and consistent discipline across all formats of the game. Local stakeholders, including coaches, players, and league officials, are watching closely to see how this precedent will guide rulings on similar incidents, how appeals might be handled, and how the sport can continue to grow while preserving the core values of fair play and mutual respect among everyone involved in the game.