Football referee Sergei Karasev, who officiated the clash between Spartak Moscow and CSKA in the 28th round of the Russian Premier League, admitted he stepped away from online content for several days after the game. Sport Express reported this disclosure.
He explained that Spartak versus CSKA is a watershed fixture in Russian football. The official noted there are many observers who, intentionally or not, feel they grasp the sport completely, even when their certainty might be questionable. Karasev highlighted how emotionally charged matches can affect perception and judgment among players, coaches, and commentators alike.
The incident in question involved Spartak forward Alexander Sobolev receiving a red card for a provocative gesture toward CSKA defender Willian Rocha. In a subsequent moment, Rocha attempted to react and was penalized in reference to the sequence, drawing attention to the dynamics of aggression and restraint on the pitch.
On May 24, the Control and Disciplinary Board of the Russian Football Union reviewed the episode. Sobolev received a four-match ban, while the red card shown to Rocha was annulled—an outcome that sparked further discussion about disciplinary standards in high-stakes derbies. By June 21, Sobolev’s suspension was shortened to three matches, reflecting a reconsideration of the incident and its consequences.
Rocha later addressed questions about potential transfers, including rumors linking him with moves to Zenit or Spartak, and what such a decision might signify for his career and the teams involved. The broader context of the case continues to resonate among fans and pundits who debate the appropriate balance between discipline, sportiness, and rivalry in Russian football [Source: Sport Express].