Russian referee Sergei Karasev acknowledged that he found the dismissal of CSKA defender Willian Roshi lawful in the moment described as part of the controversial sequence involving striker Alexander Sobolev. The report from Sport Express anchors the events as they unfolded on the field and in the officials’ room, illustrating the delicate balance referees must maintain when judgments are under dispute.
Sobolev stood with his back turned, and something about his gestures caught the official’s eye. The referee had questions and immediately consulted the sideline crew. It was at that instant that the assistant referee confirmed there had been an insulting gesture. The decision was made to remove Sobolev from the pitch. The moment underscores how quickly a match can hinge on a single action and how quickly decisions can escalate into formal sanctions.
As the episode continued, the assistant referee informed Karasev that Roshi had engaged in a similar display. In that light, both incidents were reviewed and the players were shown red cards. VAR reviewed the sequence and confirmed that Sobolev directed an inappropriate gesture at Roshi and that Roshi mirrored the same action toward the spectators. The official described the moment as a double offense that warranted punishment on both sides.
In the Russian Premier League clash, Spartak faced CSKA in the 28th round with Spartak securing a 2-1 victory. At the 66th minute, Karasev ruled Sobolev off the field for an inappropriate gesture aimed at Roshi. The decision was styled as a disciplinary measure to address quoting and to ensure the opponent faced consequences for their conduct on the field.
Subsequent proceedings included a disciplinary hearing where Sobolev received a four-match suspension, while Roshi’s red card was overturned. By June, Spartak’s suspension aspect of the ruling was reduced to three games. The proceedings reflected the ongoing effort of football authorities to regulate on-pitch behavior and to apply sanctions that are consistent with the league’s disciplinary framework.
Following the events, Spartak officials reportedly turned off certain devices after the match. The incident highlighted the tension between players and officials in a high-stakes environment and raised questions about how such acts influence the tempo and outcomes of competitive fixtures.