Grozny demands apology from Russian footballer for his words about Chechnya

The head coach of the Russian national team should convince a "Zenit" FC striker, Artyom Dzyuba, to apologize for his words about the "oppressive atmosphere" in Chechnya, Vyacheslav Grozny, a former head coach of the "Akhmat" FC, has stated. The player had to think about the consequences of his statements, says Valery Gazzaev, a football coach.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Chechen authorities coerced people to attend matches of the "Akhmat" FC held in Grozny.

Vyacheslav Grozny, who had coached the "Akhmat", when the club was called "Terek", has called on Dzyuba to apologize for his negative statement after playing at the "Akhmat Arena" Stadium. "I have only the most pleasant feelings from Grozny when I worked as the head coach of 'Terek' There," Mr Grozny has stated. At the same time, he believes that in Chechnya itself, Dzyuba will not even be reproached out of respect for the guest.

Artyom Dzyuba told about his impressions of the match in Grozny in an interview with the YouTube channel "Sad Broadcast about Football". "There is some kind of atmosphere there – it's depressing," said Dzyuba. According to his story, he "felt aggression and hostility."

Valery Gazzaev, the Honoured Coach of Russia, a native of North Ossetia, has condemned Dzyuba's statements, the "Sport Express" reports.