The Moscow Spartak striker Alexander Sobolev addressed the events that followed the end of the Russian Cup group-stage match against Zenit in St. Petersburg, offering an apology for the altercation that erupted after the final whistle.
Sobolev did not shy away from his role in the flare of emotions that unfolded on the field. He spoke clearly about his stance, stating that his conduct was out of line and that he regrets letting the moment deteriorate into a mass scuffle. He emphasized that the incident should not be a spectacle in football and that the club and its supporters deserve better from their players.
According to Sobolev, the confrontation began when Rodrigao from Zenit kicked Shamar Nicholson, a moment he says everyone witnessed. He acknowledged the clash, explaining that it was not initiated by his side, but added that his actions in defending teammates would have followed a different outcome under similar circumstances. He remarked that if he saw a teammate being offended—whether on the street, on a football field, or elsewhere—he would react in defense, a sentiment he carries beyond the pitch but without excusing the broader breach of conduct.
In his remarks to Sport Express, Sobolev described the tension that led to the eruption, noting that he did not strike anyone before the shoving began and that he waited for the moment when someone from Zenit might retaliate against his teammates. He asserted that if his team had failed to prevail, he would not stand idly by but would still be part of the effort to stand up for his comrades, reflecting the protective instinct players often show when group pride is on the line.
Recalling the match that had the 0-0 scoreline and a 4-2 verdict on penalties, Sobolev recalled how the regular time concluded with a tense atmosphere. What followed was a broader melee that involved not only players but also substitutes and coaching staff from both sides, creating a scene that resonated far beyond the final whistle. The penalties in the shootout complicated emotions and outcomes, but the subsequent fracas overshadowed the result for a moment, placing a spotlight on discipline and sportsmanship as the broader concerns for both clubs.
From a disciplinary standpoint, three players from each team received red cards as a consequence of the brawl. Wilmar Barrios, Rodrigao, and Malcolm of Zenit were dismissed, while Shamar Nicholson, Alexander Selikhov, and Alexander Sobolev faced expulsion for Spartak. The incident drew wide attention, prompting discussions about the tone of Russian Cup fixtures and the expectations placed on teams to maintain composure under pressure.
Former Spartak captain Georgy Jikia offered a comparison, likening the fight degenerating into a scene reminiscent of an unruly wedding brawl rather than a professional football match. The remark underscored the unusual intensity of the moment and the lasting impact it had on how fans, analysts, and participants view on-field decorum and competitive fervor alike.