Midfielder “Shakhtar” Taras Stepanenko has posted his version of the controversial events in recent Ukrainian League match between Shakhtar and Dynamo.
In the 78th minute of the all-Ukrainian Derby after the third goal in gate “the Dynamo” captain “Shakhtar” Taras Stepanenko ran up to the stands and showed the emblem of his club. This gesture provoked a fight between players from both teams – the conflict escalated into an aggressive stage after hitting Andriy Yarmolenko on the legs Stepanenko.
Taras Stepanenko in an interview with “observer” said about the motives of his act, commented on the scandalous statement of Oleksandr shovkovskyi and noted that no apologies from Andriy Yarmolenko, he had not heard.
Shown on the emblem: “Pointing at the logo, I wanted to show that he is proud for the club and love it. If this had happened on our side of the field, then I would our fans have shown this logo. View the match with Sevilla. When I scored, it just showed. When I played with the national team of Ukraine in Odessa at the stadium “Chernomorets”, that was the same sign with my hand”.
About his attitude to Dynamo: “I showed the logo out of pride for their club, not to humiliate the other team. I’ve never done this before and with great respect and to the football club “Dynamo”, and his fans. And from this inflated incomprehensible war, which I do not understand”.
About “provocations”: “I really don’t like when people think and say that it was a provocation. Yes, and prepared. Guys, well I’m not an idiot. I am a footballer, not a writer or broadcaster. I have nothing to do? I think I’m sitting in the room on Easter and write, how would I provoke a scandal, which also will endanger my family, because they live in Kiev. You need to think a head”.
About words shovkovskyi: “Alexander is a very respected person in the sport. I personally shovkovskyi don’t know, but with a very large respect him. He is very knowledgeable, but to say such a thing… he also has a family, children. And to say that I cared about their safety in Kiev – can’t understand”.
About the fight: “it was absolutely chaotic events. I specifically ran into their own half, not to start a fight. If I wanted a conflict, it would start a fight even when I’m kind of Fishing was enough for the head and struck him on the neck. Well, hit this emotion. I thought that now the outrage will pass and we will easy finish a match to end without any conflicts.”
About the act Yarmolenko: “I just don’t understand his act. I would understand if you would show some sign that insulted the fans and hurt the team. He filed a claim, waited for me in the room under the stands and said all in person. I’m not the man that will hide”.
See also: Shakhtar vs Dynamo: the defeat of a champion and a mass brawl
On the impact of the blow Yarmolenko: “After the match I passed the examination, and the doctors said there was a bruise. A small swelling of the ligaments of podkolonnik. Thank God, no serious damage. Joints, meniscus – all together, this is important. Day or two must hold the ice and bruised come. It’s not as painful as what happened”.
On the impact of conflict on the team: “In the team for the team I will do everything in my power. But outside the field to make friends or to walk with someone hand I don’t have”.
