In a reflective interview, football official and coach Pavel Stipidi spoke at length about recent events surrounding Lokomotiv striker Artem Dziuba, describing the atmosphere around him as one where impunity seemed to prevail. The remarks were relayed by Euro-Football.Ru. The veteran coach offered a pointed critique of the way Dziuba has been treated by certain observers and officials, suggesting that a pattern of tolerance for unacceptable conduct has formed in the sport. He emphasized that when a player appears to act with a sense of immunity, it sends a message to teammates and fans alike about what behavior is acceptable and what is not. The observation was not merely about one incident but about a broader climate in which accountability appears inconsistent. The coach noted that this perception of impunity can undermine respect for the game and its rules. He urged the football community to reflect on how decisions are communicated and enforced, arguing that leadership must set clear expectations and uphold them for everyone involved [citation attributed to Euro-Football.Ru].
Stipidi questioned the rights of a player to insult others and insinuated that if there is no consequence for such actions, it could embolden similar outbursts in the future. He described a scenario where a star player operates under a different standard, a contrast that may erode the trust of fans and colleagues who value fair play. The coach observed that, in his view, the absence of consequences can be interpreted as approval, which is dangerous for the sport’s culture and for the discipline of players who strive to compete with integrity. The sense that everything could be forgiven or overlooked was presented as a core concern for the sport’s governance and for the example set to younger players [citation attributed to Euro-Football.Ru].
Following a league match, where the journalist attempted to pose questions to the attacker, Dziuba reportedly responded with a harsh reply accompanied by threats. It was noted that prior to this incident, the player had indicated a lack of interest in speaking to the press and had invited questions that would truly merit attention. This sequence underscored ongoing tensions between the media, the club, and the player, highlighting how communication boundaries can influence public perception and the impression of stability within the team. The episode also raised questions about how media interactions are managed and the impact those choices have on a player’s public image and on the club’s reputation [citation attributed to Euro-Football.Ru].
On August 12, Lokomotiv played Krylya Sovetov to a 1-1 draw, with Dziuba not taking part in the match. The timing of this absence added another layer to the ongoing conversation about his role within the squad, his fitness or disciplinary status, and how the team navigates absence and return of key players during a demanding schedule that tests squad depth. The club’s press communications, while limited in detail, reflected a careful approach to roster management while fans and analysts sought clarity about Dziuba’s availability for future fixtures. The broader context paints a picture of a player whose career trajectory is being watched closely by supporters and commentators alike [citation attributed to Euro-Football.Ru].
Earlier in the year, Dziuba joined Lokomotiv after transferring from Adana Demirspor in Turkey, marking a new chapter in his professional journey. As he pursued his footballing duties, he also explored a parallel track online, appearing in a series of digital programs and shows that expanded his public profile beyond the pitch. This dual presence—on the field and online—contributed to a broader discussion about the responsibilities of professional athletes as public figures, and how personal branding intersects with team loyalties and competitive obligations [citation attributed to Euro-Football.Ru].
Meanwhile, the former president of Lokomotiv weighed in on public conversations surrounding the club, expressing concern about the club’s ongoing engagement with Dziuba. The remark underscored how leadership perspectives at the executive level can shape media narratives, fan sentiment, and the strategic approach to managing talent within the club. The dialogue among club officials, players, and external observers highlighted the delicate balance between safeguarding the club’s reputation and supporting players in their professional development [citation attributed to Euro-Football.Ru].