Paris NN goalkeeper Nikita Medvedev erupted in the mixed zone after a painful defeat to CSKA Moscow (leading until the 88th minute, then losing 1-2) in the penultimate round. Instead of discussing the game, he suddenly lashed out at his own fans—channeling the infamous style of Roman Shirokov at Kazan airport. It’s best to listen first, then read the details and context below.
Here is a transcript of Medvedev’s outburst:
“At the end of the match, those banners from the fans appeared, you all saw them. It’s a disgrace. Those people who came today can simply stop supporting us. Dammit, I’ve never seen anything like it. The team fought their hearts out the whole game.
I saw those banners—I almost lost my mind, honestly. Don’t come with such ‘support.’ Better let two or three people come who sincerely support us. The rest, who organize these stunts, let them stay home and cheer for another team.
I’ve been busting my ass for this team for two years, and I look at the stands—and they’re holding up those banners. What for, I don’t understand?
Guys, just stay home then. Don’t support the team like that. Those who truly support us will come and cheer us on. We don’t want to see you in the stands anymore. Thanks.”
This “Let them stay at home” is a clear reference to the famous exchange between Roman Shirokov and Zenit fans at Kazan airport back in 2012.
All signs point to Medvedev reacting to banners supporting recently fired head coach Alexey Shpilevsky, who was dismissed two rounds ago.
Banners reading “Our Coach! We’re with you” with Shpilevsky’s photo appeared before the match, as seen in fan videos that went viral.
After the game, Medvedev also screamed at fans who brought such a banner.
That was also a heavy rant, with similar language:
“Who is your coach? Your coach brought this to us, damn it! Disgrace! And you still display this here? Hey! Your coach… Go cheer for your coach then! I’ve been busting my ass here for you for two years! Our coach, damn it! What has he done for you? Our coach… He gathered you all once? Damn it, disgrace!”
Paris NN general director Vitaly Karasev, however, saw nothing wrong with the banners. He acknowledged that fans have the right to express their views. Later, he recorded a video on Telegram and apologized on behalf of his player: “I’m an athlete myself, I understand emotions got the better of our leader after a painful defeat. I want to apologize to the fans. I want to convey this thought: for us right now, every bit of support, attention, banner, atmosphere, and chant is very important. Because we all want to win. None of us are indifferent. We are preparing for Rubin. Let’s believe in victory until the end.”
How do you rate Nikita’s behavior? Even considering that supporting a fired coach might not help the team, which is now fighting to stay up under new head coach Vadim Garanin.
Nizhny Novgorod are on the brink of relegation alongside Sochi before the final round: they need to beat Rubin and hope that Dynamo Makhachkala lose to Spartak—then they would be level on points and ahead on head-to-head record.
Survival scenarios ahead of the final round.
Shpilevsky’s time in Nizhny was madness. A breakdown by Dorskoy.
P.S. We know you want to revisit that unforgettable original—Roman Shirokov and ‘Could have stayed home’—it’s also available on VideoSports.