MOSCOW, Mar 15 Russian skier Veronika Stepanova said she was surprised by the rejection St. Petersburg «Zenith» footballer Artem Dzyuba from being called up to the Russian national team. Earlier, the head coach of the Russian national football team, Valery Karpin, said that Dzyuba asked not to be called to a training camp because of the situation in Ukraine, where his relatives live. «For football players you should not be silent because of suspensions. We must ring the bell. Everyone is looking for second options and backup plans. Karpin said that Dziuba refused to participate in the training camp because of the situation in Ukraine. I was very surprised. Is he shy? Athletes, no need to «jubit»! Are you embarrassed that you are Russian?» — Stepanova said on the air the program «There is a theme!» on Match TV.
