The Moscow Presnensky Court began the merits of the case of football players Alexander Kokorin and Pavel Mamaev, accused of hooliganism and beatings against driver Vitaly Solovchuk and officials Denis Pak and Sergey Gaysin. On the first day of the trial, the Zenit attacker and the Krasnodar midfielder partially pleaded guilty, after which the testimony of three witnesses was heard.
Throughout the meeting, which lasted more than eight hours, the sports media news bulletins were filled with vivid and emotional quotes that were voiced by the witnesses during interrogations. Former Zenit player Vladislav Radimov compared what is happening with a reality show and regretted that the process was not taking place in private.
“The first day of the trial of Kokorin and Mamayev is like the show“ Behind the Glass ”! Witnesses, lawyers, the prosecutor ... It seems that this is a joke! And it will last a couple of months ... It would be better to have a closed hearing. Guys, I do not know what to say. Patience, don't get crazy, the main thing! ”- wrote Zenit-2 head coach on Twitter.
Former player and coach of Spartak Yevgeny Lovchev called the trial against Kokorin and Mamayev revealing.
“I used to say that I think about the behavior of Kokorin and Mamayev, and I don’t refuse my words. But what is happening now ... We are well aware that others would not be so mocked as they are now. This is all indicative of the process, “- said Lovchev in the Telegram.
He also expressed the opinion on what level Kokorin will play after his release, and appreciated the decision of Krasnodar to terminate the contract with Mamayev.
“Zenit head coach Sergei Semak believes that Kokorin can recover and benefit the club, but he needs to be released soon. Yes, sooner or later, Alexander will be free. But I don’t think I can play at the level I could.
As for Mamayev, the position of Krasnodar and the owner of the club, Sergey Galitsky, is indicative for me; he explained why the club broke off the contract with the player when it became known what he had done. The owner explained that thousands of students of his academy should understand: the football player of Krasnodar is an example for them.
About Mamaev, you can't say that. This is the correct position. In any case, it is clear to me and to the people of my generation, ”Lovchev said.
Sports Minister Pavel Kolobkov wished the players a speedy end of the trial.
“When the trial is completed, then we'll talk. Now only the meetings, interrogations of witnesses, interrogations of the accused have begun. The guys have done a lot for the national team and their clubs. I would like it to end sooner, ”said TASS Kolobkov.
While the meeting was going on, some Russian football players called on fans to come out for a demonstration in support of Alexander Kokorin and Pavel Mamayev. Lokomotiv players Dmitry Tarasov and Anton and Alexey Miranchuki distributed a video on Instagram, in which the organizer of the rally calls the trial “lawlessness”.
“There are no enemies in sport, there are rivals. Our Russian players have a difficult time now, and I ask you not to stand aside, not to focus on fan colors and not to stand up for Zenit players. I ask you to stand up for the Russian players and unite for one day. The guys want to put in a fight for three years, but you, as fans, understand that we would all have been sitting for fighting long ago. The guys suffered punishment. Everything that is happening now is chaos, ”the Russian football players published a video with such words on social networks.
A well-known fan of Dynamo, Alexander Shprygin, is confident that Kokorin and Mamayev’s stay in prison will not drag on until the New Year, although he does not exclude a possible indicative punishment of five years in prison.
“I think the court will last at least until the summer. There are no quick trials in such stories. In any case, the verdict will be indictment. That's for sure. The guys have partially admitted their guilt, and here two options are possible. Either they will be given a suspended sentence and released in the courtroom, or Kokorin and Mamayev will receive a real term of two years. And then they will take into account that a day goes to the SIZO for a half. Kokorin and Mamaev will file an appeal, they will remain in the SIZO for a few more months, and then they will be released, because the term will come to an end. I hope they will meet the New Year at home. Although in our country everything can happen. Suddenly, they will still be slapped for five years as an indicative measure, ”Shpyrygin said in an interview with Sport Express.