In a recent incident during a match between FC Spartak and FC Zenit, the Tushinsky District Court of Moscow has taken a firm stand against unruly behavior by fans. The court has sentenced two fans, Aleksandr Korchak and Andrei Iryshkov, to 15 days of administrative arrest after they threw flares onto the field, creating a serious risk for public safety.
The ruling comes in the wake of the tense match held on March 18, 2025, where FC Spartak triumphed over FC Zenit with a score of 2-1. The match ended with a dramatic winning goal scored in added time, which was confirmed by a VAR review. This decision not only marked a significant moment in the game but also highlighted ongoing controversies surrounding refereeing and the use of technology in football.
According to the protocol, Korchak and Iryshkov's actions during the match were found to be in violation of Part 3 of Article 20.31 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, which pertains to spectator conduct at official sports competitions. The court emphasized that their use of pyrotechnics not only endangered their safety but also jeopardized the lives and health of all present in the stadium.
In addition to their short jail term, both individuals have received a three-year ban from attending official sports competitions. This ruling reflects the authorities' zero-tolerance policy towards such dangerous behaviors and sets a precedent for future incidents involving fan misconduct. This incident underscores the growing concern over safety in Russian football stadiums, where fan riots and violent behavior have been recurrent issues.
Meanwhile, the match itself has not only drawn attention for the fans' behavior but also for the strategic implications for both teams in the Russian Premier League. Gazprom's chairman, Alexei Miller, publicly criticized the effectiveness of the VAR system following the match. He echoed sentiments previously expressed by Alexander Medvedev, the chairman of FC Zenit, stating, “If someone says VAR represents objective fairness—don’t believe your ears.”
Miller's remarks came after a contentious refereeing performance that some have deemed questionable. The essence of his statement resonates within the broader conversation about VAR, often considered a highly anticipated innovation in football for improving refereeing accuracy but met with skepticism from many clubs and fans alike.
Zenit was already facing pressure after the loss, as they fell three points behind their rivals FC Krasnodar in the league standings, complicating their quest for a title. Following their defeat, Zenit lodged a formal complaint with the Russian Football Union's Executive Committee concerning the officiating decisions made during the match, indicating the tension and competitive stakes involved.
The match and its fallout point to a larger narrative within Russian football, encompassing disciplinary actions against fans, the evolving role of technology in officiating, and the constant battle for clubs to maintain their competitive edge. These issues intersect, drawing attention from fans, management, and regulators alike, highlighting the delicate balance between promoting passionate support and ensuring safety both on and off the pitch.
In conclusion, as FC Spartak celebrates its hard-earned victory, the ramifications of the match extend beyond the scoreline. The arrests made following the controversial use of flares and the ongoing debates regarding VAR reveal significant concerns that will likely continue to shape the future of football in Russia.
