The referee’s decision made the game more difficult
Saturday, March 14, 2026
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Shakhtar Stalevi head coach spoke about the victory over Metalist 1925 Nezlamni in the Ukrainian Amputee Football Cup quarter-finals
– The match turned out to be very emotional and difficult. On the one hand, we gained important experience, as we played with a man down, yet still showed character, discipline, the necessary composure and desire. The players completed the tasks set for the opening minutes, and we had to reorganise in the second half after the sending-off. We managed to do that, seeing the game through to an important victory and keeping a clean sheet.
– At the start of the second half, Valentyn Romaniuk received a second yellow card and was sent off. How fair was that decision?
– As I have already emphasised, the game was emotional, and the players felt strong emotions. I did not see any disrespect towards the referee in Valentyn’s words, so I believe that moment did not deserve a second yellow card, which ultimately led to the sending-off. We were genuinely surprised by the referee’s decision to dismiss our player. Such a decision is difficult for us to understand and goes against the values of the league and this sport. We believe that situations like this should be assessed as carefully as possible and with regard to the spirit of the game. Referees have the option to issue a warning instead of sending a player off. This decision made the game more difficult for the team and we had to focus on defending. Despite that, the players counterattacked and tried to score another goal, which was very important.
– After two matches in the Ukrainian Amputee Football Cup, Shakhtar Stalevi reached the Final Four. How do you assess this result and what goals do the team set for the tournament?
– We are already preparing for the next match, and I would like to note that all opponents are very strong and different, so we need to prepare carefully for each of them. Our goal is to win.
– At the start of the second half, Valentyn Romaniuk received a second yellow card and was sent off. How fair was that decision?
– As I have already emphasised, the game was emotional, and the players felt strong emotions. I did not see any disrespect towards the referee in Valentyn’s words, so I believe that moment did not deserve a second yellow card, which ultimately led to the sending-off. We were genuinely surprised by the referee’s decision to dismiss our player. Such a decision is difficult for us to understand and goes against the values of the league and this sport. We believe that situations like this should be assessed as carefully as possible and with regard to the spirit of the game. Referees have the option to issue a warning instead of sending a player off. This decision made the game more difficult for the team and we had to focus on defending. Despite that, the players counterattacked and tried to score another goal, which was very important.
– After two matches in the Ukrainian Amputee Football Cup, Shakhtar Stalevi reached the Final Four. How do you assess this result and what goals do the team set for the tournament?
– We are already preparing for the next match, and I would like to note that all opponents are very strong and different, so we need to prepare carefully for each of them. Our goal is to win.