A prominent sports broadcaster and television host, Dmitry Guberniev, commented on the six-month ban imposed on Roman Shirokov, the former captain of the Russian national team, for threats of physical harm directed at referees.
Guberniev publicly dismissed Shirokov’s actions, calling him ignorant and questioning whether the incident might even drive him to claim prison time. The remark, posted via a Telegram channel, labeled Shirokov a criminal as part of the broader controversy surrounding the case.
On June 18, the Moscow Football Federation announced Shirokov would be suspended from football activities for six months. At the time, Shirokov held the position of head at the Moscow club Strogino. The sanctions followed his alleged attempts to influence referees during a Moscow Championship youth match between Strogino-2008 and Rodina, a game in the local league featuring young players.
In addition to the suspension, Shirokov faces a fine of 50,000 rubles and a formal apology to the referees involved in the match. The disciplinary decision noted that after the game he directed pressure toward the officials and used obscene language in an exchange with them, which contributed to the penalties handed down by the federation.
Reports indicate that there were intimidating actions toward match officials, culminating in the red card shown for inappropriate remarks. The incident has sparked discussion within the football community about conduct on the sidelines, the responsibilities of former players in coaching and management roles, and the standards expected of individuals who interact with youth athletes.
Earlier in the inquiry, there were remarks from a former evaluator of refereeing standards who suggested that Shirokov should refrain from public engagement during the ongoing investigation. The case has highlighted the ongoing debate about the line between passionate leadership and inappropriate behavior toward referees in the sport’s administration at the youth level.
Observers note that the six-month suspension, coupled with the monetary fine and required apology, serves as a clear message about accountability in football governance. It underscores the federation’s commitment to maintaining respectful, fair play and to protecting the integrity of referees who oversee youth competitions. The decision also raises questions about the career path for former players who transition into administrative or coaching roles and how their past experiences influence their conduct in new positions.
As the situation develops, clubs and players in the Moscow region are reminded of the importance of sportmanship and the need to uphold professional standards in all interactions. The disciplinary measures issued in this case reflect the governing body’s ongoing effort to foster a safe and respectful environment for referees, players, and young athletes alike, reinforcing the principle that authority should be exercised within defined rules and with due regard for the individuals who uphold the game on the field. The federation’s ruling is anticipated to be a reference point for future infractions and a reminder of the consequences that accompany breaches of conduct in Russian football. (Attribution: Moscow Football Federation)