Yaroslavl Shinnik Coach Vadim Evseev Discusses a Tense Incident with Minai Players During a Turkish Training Camp
The head coach of Yaroslavl Shinnik, Vadim Evseev, spoke openly about the incident that erupted between members of his team and players from the Ukrainian club Minai during a training gathering in Antalya, Turkey, where both clubs were staying for a joint camp.
According to Evseev, the teams shared the same hotel at first, before Minai relocated to a different site for the third training phase. The plan was simple: a four‑day break away from competition, followed by a return to the training schedule. The Shinnik group arrived at their hotel around 3 p.m. and soon learned that Minai was already in residence. By about 11 p.m., tensions had begun to rise, and the two groups remained in the same building for eight hours as conversations and concerns simmered.
Evseev described the late-night atmosphere as he slept through much of the commotion. He acknowledged that anyone awake could feel the scenario escalating—an altercation that could have escalated further, but which his team stood ready to respond to if provoked. He emphasized that his players would stand up for themselves with resolve, a stance he likened to a fighter’s instinct in critical moments, once again highlighting the protective bond within his squad.
In the morning, Evseev said he began to piece together what had occurred. The situation reportedly involved a team leader from Minai who, according to a source close to the event, was confronted by the Minai administration. The discussion reportedly included a demand that the Ukrainian anthem be sung, with the option for individuals to exit if they chose. When the request was refused, a directive was issued to remove Shinnik players from certain accommodations, and there were claims that some players were separated from their roommates and even separated from their partners in private spaces.
Evseev noted that the numerical imbalance was significant. His team counted eight players ready to respond, while Minai appeared to be reinforced by as many as twenty-five individuals. The coach reflected on the courage and determination of his players as they faced a larger group, underscoring the team’s willingness to stand firm and protect their colleagues. The exchange, captured by a camera crew from Football Factory, underscored the gravity of the moment and the commitment of Shinnik to defend their teammates when needed.
The incident is recalled as a confrontation that brought minor injuries to players from both sides, necessitating intervention from local authorities. Police and emergency responders were called to the hotel to restore order and ensure the safety of everyone involved. The clash reportedly began on February 13, when Minai representatives requested the Shinnik team leader to sing the Ukrainian anthem, an episode that triggered a broader sequence of events and a collective effort to diffuse the tension before matters could worsen.
Looking back, Evseev reflected on the stance he and his team took in this uncertain moment. He underscored a commitment to the welfare of teammates, stressing that solidarity and mutual support are essential in high-pressure environments like a training camp far from home. While the broader situation included confusion and provocation, the core takeaway from Evseev’s account remains the readiness of his players to respond appropriately to threats against their group and their colleagues.
Without dwelling on specific political narratives, Evseev emphasized the human side of the event—the expectations of players, coaches, and staff to maintain professionalism, safety, and a sense of unity even when the atmosphere grows tense. He acknowledged that such incidents can arise in the heat of competition and high-stakes preparation, yet they also serve as a test of leadership, loyalty, and the ability to maintain focus on collective goals during a demanding training period.
The story from Antalya serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics that accompany international football camps. It illustrates how cultural and national identities interact in the crucible of sport, and how teams rely on disciplined leadership, mutual support, and clear lines of communication to navigate moments of conflict. In the end, Evseev’s recollection centers on the resilience of his squad and the responsibility of leaders to protect their players while upholding the values of fair play and teamwork that define the sport.
Across both squads, the episode underscored the importance of safeguarding players, maintaining professional conduct, and ensuring that training camps abroad remain focused on sporting development, camaraderie, and the pursuit of success on the field. As the teams returned to their routines, the incident stood as a clear lesson about unity, respect, and the enduring priority of safe, productive preparation in front of demanding audiences and environments that can test limits and expectations alike.
Note: The account above reflects reported statements and publicly available footage related to the event. Details emphasize the emphasis on team solidarity, leadership responses, and the broader context of a high-pressure training camp. Attributions are provided for public recording sources where applicable.