The Control and Disciplinary Committee of the Russian Football Union is examining the actions of Zenit St. Petersburg defender Mario Fernandez following the team’s 1-1 draw with CSKA Moscow in the seventh round of the Russian Premier League. Fernandez celebrated Zenit’s goal outside the dugouts, beyond the official technical zone, a detail clarified by the committee chair, Artur Grigoryants. The review is part of the federation’s routine oversight of on-pitch conduct during and after matches, and the committee is weighing whether Fernandez’s celebration breached any established rules or norms. The information was reported by Sports Express through Grigoryants’ remarks.
Grigoryants noted that officials would also assess whether Fernandez stepped outside his designated technical area during the celebration. He explained that the goal in the 88th minute was the focal moment under consideration. He also clarified that there was no disciplinary measure taken in relation to the scuffle that occurred at the end of the match. The federation’s stance is that the late-stage heated exchange falls outside the jurisdiction of the federation’s disciplinary body in this context, and no formal penalty is anticipated from the Disciplinary Committee based on that incident.
In his statements, Grigoryants added that the committee will take into account the absence of CSKA captain Igor Akinfeev for a brief post-match interview, as well as a two-minute delay in CSKA leaving the field ahead of the second half. These procedural factors can influence the overall perception of the match atmosphere and the expectations placed on players and club staff when communicating with the media after a full 90 minutes of play.
The league encounter concluded with a 1-1 draw. Zenit took the lead early, with Anton Zabolotny scoring in the fourth minute. The visitors levelled matters two minutes before the end of regular time when Douglas dos Santos found the back of the net, ensuring a late, dramatic equalizer. The closing moments also featured a confrontation inside the Zenit penalty area, during which Milan Gajic of CSKA collapsed amid a flurry of players on the field, sparking a significant melee that drew attention from officials and spectators alike. The incident prompted a review by match officials and the disciplinary committee to determine if any actions warranted sanctions beyond those already noted in the match report.
Zenit remains in a strong position in the league standings, occupying second place with 14 points. CSKA sits in seventh place on 11 points, while Krasnodar continues to lead the table with 17 points. The balance of power in the Russian Premier League at this stage reflects the competitiveness of the campaign and underscores how on-field conduct and post-match procedures can influence the public narrative surrounding a club and its players. The focus for Zenit, CSKA, and other contenders is not only about results but also about maintaining discipline and professional conduct throughout what has been a tightly contested season.
There is also a note regarding a former CSKA coach who reportedly interceded on Fernandez’s behalf when he moved from CSKA to Zenit. The dynamics involved in such transactions can add layers to the discussion about player behavior, club leadership, and the broader competitive environment in the league. Authorities and observers alike will be watching how the disciplinary process unfolds and whether additional guidelines or clarifications emerge as a result of this and similar incidents. The aim is to preserve fair play and uphold the standards expected within the Russian Premier League, while ensuring that decisions are grounded in established rules and consistent with prior discipline rulings. This ongoing review process illustrates how the federation approaches match governance, player accountability, and the integrity of the sport. Attribution: Sports Express and official federation communications have informed the public narrative surrounding these events.