Olga Smorodskaya, who previously led Lokomotiv Moscow, voiced strong support for canceling the Russia versus Paraguay friendly after the Crocus Center tragedy. She underscored that pausing or canceling a match during such a moment is the sensible choice, expressing that celebrating a game while so many lives are in turmoil would feel inappropriate. Her stance reflected a broader sense of collective grief and responsibility shared by officials, players, and fans alike, emphasizing that safety and empathy must come first in difficult times.
The planned fixture was set for March 25 at the VTB Arena in Moscow. At this stage, it remained uncertain whether the game would be rescheduled in the future. Luis Kanonnikoff, the General Secretary of the Paraguayan Football Federation, confirmed that the decision to cancel was made jointly with the Russian Football Union, highlighting a coordinated approach to ensure clarity and unity between the two football bodies during a period of national mourning and uncertainty.
Prior to the cancellation news, the Russian squad had met Serbia on March 21 in a display that ended in a 4-0 victory. The scoring sequence featured Anton Miranchuk, Maxim Osipenko, and Alexey Miranchuk, who converted a penalty to stretch the lead. In the 88th minute, Arsen Zakharyan struck what would have been the fourth goal, but the referee disallowed it due to an offside infringement by Ivan Sergeev, keeping the official tally at three goals. This win added a bit of relief and momentum for the team amid the ongoing discussions about the postponed match, while also reminding audiences of the tightrope teams walk between competitive sport and the wider emotional climate surrounding such events.
Additionally, it was reported that a Gagarin Cup game between Spartak and Metallurg faced disruption related to the Crocus tragedy. The incident underscored how a single, tragic event can reverberate across multiple sports and gatherings, prompting organizers to reevaluate schedules, security measures, and the overall atmosphere surrounding major competitions. In such moments, organizers typically balance the demands of competition, fan safety, and the imperative to honor those affected, often resulting in postponed or canceled events and a renewed focus on community support and resilience.