Spartak Moscow's sporting director Francis Kachigaou has publicly questioned the officiating decisions during the Russian Cup final, specifically targeting the intervention of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) Sergey Karasev. The controversy centers on a red card shown to CSKA Moscow midfielder Ivan Oblyakov, which was subsequently overturned after a review.
The incident occurred during the Path of Regions Fonbet Russian Cup final. Referee Kirill Levnikov initially brandished a red card for what appeared to be a dangerous tackle. However, VAR official Karasev instructed Levnikov to consult the pitchside monitor, leading to the card's rescission.
Kachigaou expressed his bewilderment at the reversal. He maintained that the initial decision was correct, describing the challenge as a clear red-card offense. The Spartak official emphasized that the tackle involved studs making contact with an opponent's ankle, an action he believes warrants a sending-off in any football match, anywhere in the world.
"The referee made a good decision and showed the red card. It was a pure red," Kachigaou stated. "I don't understand why Karasev called the referee to the screen to review this episode. I think each of us saw quite clearly the studs on Martins' ankle. This is a clear red in Moscow, Kathmandu, and even in the Andes!"
While acknowledging that referee Levnikov had a good game overall, Kachigaou's primary grievance was with the VAR's decision to intervene. He suggested that the incident was obvious to all observers, even those requiring corrective eyewear, and that repeated viewings would only confirm the severity of the foul.
When asked directly if he believed Karasev was biased against Spartak Moscow, Kachigaou chose his words carefully. He refrained from making a direct accusation but pointed to a pattern of decisions he perceives as being against his club. He called for greater scrutiny of the specific incident in question.
The sporting director concluded by stating that the matter should be addressed by the Russian Football Union (RFU), indicating his club's formal concern over the standard of officiating in a major cup final.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.
