Russian football player Dmitry Tarasov Telegram channel posted a video in which he replied to his Ukrainian friends, coach Roman Smidyuk and an unnamed football player who previously played in Moscow.

According to Tarasov, due to Smidyuk’s actions on social networks, a “huge hate” hit him. The coach published a piece of an interview from 2019, in which Tarasov spoke on the topic of Crimea, and also indicated his support for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

— I want to explain the moment that happened the other day. An excerpt of my interview, which I gave in 2019, appeared on social networks. They cut out a small passage where I spoke about the Crimea. After that, many people from Ukraine wrote to me, threats to my family began, Telegram collapsed.

I want to clarify my position and give a small answer. There is such a coach, Roman, with whom I was friends, he was at my house. He came to Russia, built his own business, called me his brother. After the start of the special operation in Ukraine, I wrote to him first, offered my help, offered to come to my house. I acted like a man.

This person began to hate me harshly, writing nasty things on social networks. He knew my position, the story of the T-shirt with the image of Vladimir Putin. Roman began to call me “Russian evil spirits.” Roma, wake up a little, you understand? Have you ever seen that I rejoiced at the death of civilians in Russia and Ukraine?

You “drown” for your country, I respect that. But you wake up, think about what you’re doing in general. I never wished death to people, I didn’t get high from it. They write me curses from Ukraine. You are a patriot of your country, I respect that, but do not forget that I am Russian. You talked to me, we discussed many political issues and everything suited you. And now they write curses to me, they write to my wife, about children …

I myself am here in Moscow. Where are you, Roma? Opening a club in Los Angeles? Everything is clear with you, I explained everything,” he said.

Tarasov also turned to an unnamed Ukrainian footballer, who also compromised the footballer on social networks.

– Regarding one more person, a football player from Ukraine, without naming names. You called me your friend. Don’t forget who helped you when you were in Moscow. I can make friends. What kind of propaganda you staged in my address. Again, I do not name the name, I still respect you. We had political differences, but we communicated. And now what is happening?

You send me a piece of the 2019 interview. I’m not a politician, I’m a football player, I answer as I see fit. I want people to pay attention to this, about the constant threats to my children. I don’t care about myself, but I don’t care about my children and family. Roma and this player, come to your senses, – Dmitry added.

Tarasov is the champion of Russia with Lokomotiv, he also won the Russian Cup three times.