MOSCOW, April 21, Vasily Bogdanov. Sochi defender Rodrigo and striker Lokomotiv Moscow Yan Kukhta was suspended for two matches for a brawl that took place in the meeting of the 25th round of the Russian championship, Artur Grigoryants, head of the control and disciplinary committee of the Russian Football Union (FTC RFU), told reporters. In the second half of the Russian Premier League (RPL) match ) Sochi — Lokomotiv (2:2), which took place on Sunday, Kukhta stepped on the defender of the hosts Rodrigo with his knee, the Brazilian in response hit the striker in the thigh area. Both players were sent off, a conflict began, which escalated into a brawl. «Rodrigo and representatives of Sochi were by video link, Kukhta was present in person. We received a letter from Lokomotiv to cancel the red card. We sent a statement to the expert referee commission (ESC) with the aim of receive a conclusion. It stated that Kukhta was sent off fairly. Aggressive and deliberate behavior of the player. Sochi did not file for cancellation. We watched the video, heard both players. Based on all the evidence, both were disqualified for two matches each, «Grigoryants said. Lokomotiv wrote that Kukhta committed the violation through negligence. Under article five, the person who committed the violation, both intentionally and unintentionally, is found guilty, so the club's explanation did not affect anything. Rodrigo justified his behavior by saying that his rib hurt, and Kukhta stepped on it, and he could not restrain himself. Sochi did not send any medical documents about Rodrigo's condition. By fight. It was not — there was a short-term confrontation, which was immediately terminated and had no consequences. Therefore, it was not taken into account, «said the head of the FTC. Also, Lokomotiv defender Tin Edvay was fined for unsportsmanlike behavior, after hitting the microphone of the main broadcaster after unsuccessfully receiving the ball and damaging it.
