Kravets criticizes Rebrov for playing padel with Berezutsky: 'Why create a reason?'

Former Kyiv Dynamo and Ukraine national team striker Artem Kravets commented on his YouTube channel regarding the controversial situation involving former national team head coach Serhiy Rebrov. The discussion was sparked by a video showing Rebrov playing padel with former Russian footballer and coach Vasiliy Berezutsky. Despite his deep respect for Rebrov's professionalism, Kravets called this move thoughtless and creating unnecessary grounds for criticism during wartime.

Context of the incident and public reaction

The video showing Serhiy Rebrov and Vasiliy Berezutsky playing the popular Spanish sport caused a wide resonance in the Ukrainian media space. Kravets noted that this fact was not a surprise to him, but the public reaction was polarized. In the comments on the video, users discussed various versions of events: from the claim that Berezutsky allegedly expressed his position against the invasion at the beginning of the conflict, to assumptions about his problems in Europe. Nevertheless, the very fact of the joint game of two football officials from countries at war caused a storm of emotions.

Artem Kravets' position: respect for the legend and bewilderment at the deed

Artem Kravets emphasized that he has great respect for Serhiy Rebrov as a coach, considering him one of the best in the history of Ukrainian football of the Independence era. According to Kravets, Rebrov is a legend of Ukrainian football and the second most significant forward in the country's history after Andriy Shevchenko. However, precisely because of Rebrov's high status and public role (vice-president of the UAF, former national team coach), his actions should be measured. Kravets does not understand why create extra reasons for talk and criticism when Ukraine is at war.

Question of partner choice and Berezutsky's adaptation

Kravets asked a rhetorical question: why did Rebrov choose Berezutsky specifically to play padel? He noted that in Spain or any other place in the world where Rebrov is, one can find many partners to play at a high level. Kravets also touched upon the situation with Berezutsky himself, noting that he recently coached the Russian club 'Ural'. In the opinion of the Ukrainian footballer, this indicates that Berezutsky has adapted to the current situation in Russia and found common ground with the regime, which Kravets called 'Hitlerian'. In his comment, Kravets emphasized that there are no 'Rashists' in his team, and he does not understand the logic of choosing a partner associated with a hostile regime.

Contradictory data

There are various points of view around the incident. On the one hand, part of the public and experts, including Kravets, believe that playing with Berezutsky is a violation of ethical norms and a politically incorrect act for a Ukrainian public figure. On the other hand, there are versions that Berezutsky expressed his position against the war at the beginning of the full-scale invasion, and his move to Europe was related to personal circumstances. However, the very fact of the joint padel game, which was recorded on video, remains an irrefutable fact that causes disputes about the permissibility of such contacts in current conditions.