The Russian Football Union’s Control and Disciplinary Board (FTC RFU) will resume scrutiny of the direct red cards shown to Spartak Moscow forward Alexander Sobolev and CSKA Moscow defender Willian Roshi, stemming from the 28th round fixture in the Russian Premier League. This follow-up review comes amid ongoing reporting from Sport-Express and is part of the league’s standard enforcement procedure after incidents that result in straight red cards. The federation’s disciplinary body routinely assesses such cases to determine if additional suspensions or penalties beyond the on-field dismissal are warranted, ensuring consistency with established rules and recent precedent. (Source: Sport-Express)
Artur Grigoryants, who heads the RFU FTC, outlined the process for these situations. He emphasized that direct red cards are not automatically final on the night of the match; rather, they are subject to formal consideration under the FTC’s regulatory framework. Grigoryants noted that players involved in the episode would likely be called to provide explanations as part of the review, with both Sobolev and Roshi potentially facing further sanctions if the board finds grounds for them under the league’s discipline code. This reflects a broader practice in Russian football where the disciplinary committee reviews on-field actions beyond what is immediately adjudicated by the match officials. (Source: Sport-Express)
During the disputed sequence, the chief referee, Sergey Karasev, flashed red cards to both Sobolev and Roshi in the same moment, as tensions escalated over a penalty appeal. The situation intensified when Sobolev made a provocative gesture directed at his opponent, a gesture that has frequently been treated as a separate, incidental infraction with potential additional disciplinary consequences depending on the board’s assessment. Roshi’s red card appears to have been linked to Roshi’s reaction to the officials’ decision and the increased heat of the confrontation, with analysts speculating about whether it was a second bookable offense or a direct act seen as a misconduct charge. The precise grounds for the red card to Roshi were the subject of post-match deliberations, as the federation seeks to apply uniform interpretation of incidents that mix on-field aggression with unsporting conduct. (Source: Sport-Express)
The match itself concluded with Spartak Moscow securing a 2-1 victory. The late drama unfolded when the visitors earned a penalty in the 89th minute. Igor Akinfeev, the renowned goalkeeper, managed to parry Quincy Promes’ spot-kick, yet the forward followed up to score with the rebound and seal the win for Spartak. This late goal not only decided the outcome but also intensified the post-match discussion around discipline, as fans and pundits debated whether the penalties and dismissals reflected a fair application of the rules on that occasion. (Source: Sport-Express)
In the league table following the weekend’s matches, CSKA Moscow retained second place with 54 points, while Spartak moved into third on 53 points. The narrow gap at the top keeps the race for the championship and for European qualification positions tightly contested as the season moves toward its final phase. The implications of any further sanctions against Sobolev or Roshi could influence squad selection, availability for upcoming fixtures, and the strategic balance the coaches will seek in the run-in. (Source: Sport-Express)
Earlier coverage noted that CSKA Moscow’s head coach Vladimir Fedotov addressed the dismissal of Willian Roshi during the clash with Spartak in the 28th round of the Russian Premier League. Fedotov’s comments added another layer to the ongoing conversation about discipline, accountability, and the impact of referee decisions on a club’s season. The dialogue between the coaching staff, players, and the federation underscores the importance of understanding the disciplinary framework that guides professional football in Russia, especially when emotions run high and competitive stakes are elevated late in games. (Source: Sport-Express)