Russia players speak out in support of beaten-up Spartak Gogniev

Players of the Russian national team who came to its training camp in Moscow ahead of the friendly match against Greece entered the field today in white shirts with the words of support for FC Krasnodar striker Spartak Gogniev, who was earlier beaten in Grozny after the match the youth championship against Terek.

The inscription on the players’ chests read «Spartak Gogniev, we are with you!» and the one on the back read «We don’t need a football like that!» according to Sport-Express.

Gogniev was severely beaten inside the stadium by unknown persons, after the match between Krasnodar and Terek youth teams ended up in a brawl between the players. He was later diagnosed with broken ribs and underwent a surgery, which will leave him sidelined for a month.

Today’s meeting of the Russian FA’s Disciplinary Commission ruled for the match to be registered as a 0:3 technical defeat for Terek. However, Gogniev’s behavior was also found inappropriate as the videotapes reportedly feature him punching and offending the referee. His verdict, as well as the verdict for Terek for the inappropriate organization of the match, are expected in a week.

Images: Sergey Dronyaev