Valery Gazzaev, who previously led CSKA Moscow, expressed deep disappointment with the conduct of Spartak forward Alexander Sobolev after an inappropriate gesture directed at him during the 28th round of the Russian Premier League. The incident sparked widespread commentary as pundits weighed in on the manner of Sobolev’s actions and the broader implications for sportsmanship in domestic football.
Gazzaev remarked that judicial decisions would be debated for quite some time. He indicated that he could not agree with any of the calls made by referee Sergei Karasev in the match, questioning why Rosho, the Brazilian player involved, had been penalized in a way that did not align with his view of the events. Gazzaev suggested that the actions of the Brazilian players did not constitute a crime, at least in his assessment, and he emphasized his confusion over the referee’s rulings. The remarks were cited by Sport Express as part of a broader assessment of the game and its officiating decisions.
The Spartak club, according to Gazzaev, did not escape scrutiny. He hinted that Sobolev’s decision to change his stance could lead to severe punishment, depending on the governing bodies’ interpretation of the incident. The nuance of the situation, he implied, went beyond a single moment on the field and touched on issues of discipline and possible sanctions within the league’s framework. These observations were highlighted in coverage by Sport Express.
One of the most controversial moments of the derby involved a double ejection: Karasev initially dismissed Sobolev for a provocative gesture toward Willian Roshi, and then, after a subsequent confrontation, showed a direct red card to Roshi for a repeat of Sobolev’s action. The sequence drew immediate attention for its rapid escalation and the questions it raised about consistency in officiating under derby pressure. The game concluded with Spartak prevailing 2-1, a result that kept them in a competitive position in the standings while leaving CSKA to reflect on missed opportunities.
In the league table, Spartak sat in third place with 53 points, while CSKA was close behind in second with 54. The championship race remained tightly contested, with only a few rounds left to play in the season. As the schedule moved toward its closing stages, Spartak prepared for forthcoming fixtures against Pari Nizhny Novgorod and Wings of the Russia, while CSKA faced matches against Krasnodar and Rostov. These forthcoming matchups were seen as critical tests for both teams as they sought to secure a strong finish and solidify their positions near the top of the table.
Following the loss to Spartak, CSKA Moscow coach Vladimir Fedotov addressed his players with a candid assessment of the team’s performance. He suggested that the responsibility lay squarely with the squad for not converting chances that had been created during the match. Fedotov emphasized accountability and urged a renewed focus on efficiency in front of goal, arguing that the results were a direct reflection of the opportunities missed rather than a failure of strategy alone. This post-game reflection contributed to the ongoing narrative surrounding CSKA’s campaign and the urgency to translate chances into points. [Source: Sport Express]