During the 28th round of the Russian Premier League, Spartak Moscow faced CSKA Moscow in a high-tension clash that drew commentary from former Spartak president Andrey Chervichenko. He weighed in on the officiating, offering a candid take on the performance of the central referee, Karasev.
Chervichenko recalled a prior assessment, noting that Karasev had once stood out as Spartak’s most reliable referee. He suggested that an incident around the red card shown to a Spartak player might have been misread or overlooked, leaving room for interpretation and debate among players, officials, and fans alike. The veteran executive implied that Karasev could be navigating a pressure-filled moment, hinting at lingering tensions that might influence on-field decisions.
In his view, there could be a lesson for the official, though the underlying cause may differ. He referenced a prior incident which he believed involved Spartak, proposing that a debt of sorts might have been settled in the referee’s recent decisions. Chervichenko insinuated that tactical mischief by an opposing party could have shaped the trajectory of the night, prompting Karasev to respond to external stimuli.
The league match itself ended with Spartak recording a 2-1 victory over CSKA, with fans reminded of a memorable goal sequence that featured a double tally by Quincy Promes. The forward’s second strike came at a moment when a penalty opportunity was foiled by a remarkable save from Igor Akinfeev, illustrating the fine margins that separate celebration from frustration in a tightly contested derby.
Midway through the second half, the match saw further drama as Alexander Sobolev and Willian Rocha were dismissed following direct red cards issued for what officials described as inappropriate behavior. A CSKA defender also received a red card after questioning a teammate about an opposing player’s conduct in front of the referee, adding another layer of controversy to an already heated clash.
Former commentator Dmitry Guberniev later commented that Sobolev should showcase a more sportsmanlike demeanor in relation to Roshi, underscoring the ongoing debate about how players should conduct themselves in moments of provocation and rivalry. This exchange underscored the broader conversation around discipline, accountability, and the role of referees in shaping the tempo and tone of big domestic matches.