Shovkovskyi Fumes Over Controversial Red Card in Europa League Defeat…
BELGRADE — August 23, 2025
Dynamo Kyiv manager Oleksandr Shovkovskyi has slammed officiating decisions following his side’s 3–1 defeat to Maccabi Tel Aviv in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League playoff round, describing a pivotal red card as “not the first time a red card came out of nowhere.”
The match, played on neutral ground in Serbia due to ongoing security concerns, saw Dynamo reduced to ten men midway through the second half after defender Kostiantyn Vivcharenko was sent off for a challenge that many deemed harsh.
“It’s not the first time a red card came out of nowhere,” Shovkovskyi said post-match, visibly frustrated. “We’ve seen this pattern before, and it’s costing us dearly. The players are giving everything, and then one decision changes the entire game.”
The dismissal came with Dynamo trailing 2–1, and the Israeli side capitalized quickly, adding a third goal that leaves the Ukrainian giants with a mountain to climb in the return leg.
Despite the setback, Shovkovskyi remained defiant, praising his squad’s resilience and urging fans to rally behind the team ahead of next week’s decisive second leg in Budapest.
“We’ll fight. We always do. This club has been through worse and come out stronger.”
The controversy has reignited debate over VAR usage in UEFA competitions, with Dynamo supporters flooding social media to demand greater transparency and consistency in officiating.
