Sergei Shirokov, a forward for Avtomobilist, recalled a moment before a Kontinental Hockey League game when he criticized Barys supporters for not rising to honor the Russian anthem. His comments were quoted by RB Sports, capturing a tension that lingered in the arena and beyond the ice.
“Perhaps there was a reaction, and I accept the feedback with equal openness. These feelings were real, and I was moved by the situation in that moment. Sports should stay out of politics, and I had already noticed something similar earlier in Kazakhstan. I spoke what I felt from the heart at that time,” Shirokov explained, aiming to clarify his intent and the emotional backdrop that fueled his remarks.
The exchange occurred in December 2022, inside Astana’s Barys Arena, during a match that culminated in a penalty shootout won by the host team with a 5–4 score. The atmosphere that night reflected the broader conversation about national symbols, fan culture, and the role of athletes as public figures who can influence and be influenced by political undercurrents around them.
In the current season, Shirokov has appeared in seven games, contributing three goals and five assists. His performance there demonstrates a continued impact on the ice, combining scoring ability with playmaking and an ability to translate energy from moments of controversy into productive actions for his team.
Earlier in his career, the two-time Olympic champion also spoke out about perceived shortcomings in refereeing within the KHL, highlighting concerns about officiating quality and consistency. That evaluation underscores a broader discourse about the standard of refereeing across the league and its effect on game flow, player safety, and fair competition for all teams involved.