Vladimir Ponomarev, the former CSKA and USSR national football star, criticized Moscow Spartak and red-white striker Quincy Promes after the Dubai incident, sharing his thoughts with RIA News. He called the episode completely incomprehensible and questioned the idea of an accident being alleged. He didn’t hold back on his judgment, saying Promes acted foolishly and that there was no reason to roam around Dubai. The situation drew concern as the Netherlands later indicated Promes is wanted there, and Ponomarev urged forgiveness while also labeling Promes an idiot. He added that Spartak should be more careful about the conduct of its players in public spaces.
The footballer was detained by police at the airport while attempting to fly from Dubai to Russia on February 29. He was set to travel with his team to St. Petersburg for a Russian Premier League match against Zenit in the 19th round, but the journey to St. Petersburg was halted. This development put Spartak in a difficult position ahead of the upcoming fixture and underscored the consequences of off-field actions on professional commitments, as noted by observers familiar with the club’s policies. Promes faced potential disciplinary measures if he returned to Russia, according to a Spartak statement released on March 1. On the same day, journalist Ivan Karpov reported that Promes had been detained in the UAE while attempts were ongoing to address the circumstances surrounding the incident at the scene.
Earlier reports indicate that on February 14 an Amsterdam court sentenced Promes to six years in prison for cocaine trafficking. The hearing had occurred on January 24, with prosecutors seeking a nine-year term. On February 16, Promes was placed on the international wanted list, highlighting the gravity of the case and its broad legal implications across jurisdictions. These legal developments have added significant pressure on the player as he navigates the consequences of his actions and their impact on his club and national team commitments. The timeline shows a rapid sequence of events that has dominated discussions around Promes and his professional future.
There have been earlier reports that Promes had fled the police in Dubai, which contributed to the mounting scrutiny and the legal challenges he faced in multiple countries. The unfolding events have sparked debate among fans and analysts about accountability, discipline, and the responsibilities of professional athletes when they travel abroad for club duties and personal matters. As this case continues to develop, stakeholders are watching closely how the athlete and his club respond to the evolving legal and competitive landscape, including potential sanctions and future appearances on the field. This sequence of events underscores the broader conversation about conduct, public image, and the expectations placed on high-profile football players in major leagues.