Ruben Hayrapetyan reconsidered decision
Passions have been flaring at "Gandzasar" football club for nearly a week after fans threw a bottle toward the field during the match with "Pyunik" on May 15. The fans also used swear words against the referees.
The Football Federation of Armenia punished the referees, but also decided that "Gandzasar" should hold 5 matches without an audience.
This sparked complaints among football fans, which was followed by "Gandzasar" President Maxim Hakobyan's statement according to which the team will not participate in the championship if the FFA doesn't reconsider the decision.
To discuss the issue on the spot, Ruben Hayrapetyan personally went to Kapan to meet with the club's administration and fans. The meeting was supposed to take place at the city's stadium, but it was held at the club president's office for a more straightforward conversation.
Ruben Hayrapetyan said citizens of Kapan are hospitable and was amazed that they cheer with swear words. According to him, football is a beautiful game and people should enjoy watching it.
Mayor of Kapan Artur Atayan says the FFA's decision is a "brutal punishment" since the others are not to blame for the poor behavior of one or two people. Hearing the fans, the FFA President confessed that though he had decided what to do, he changed his mind and decided to lay a condition for "Gandzasar", meaning that the punishment would be applied if the same thing happened again.
"Gandzasar" President Maxim Hakobyan says he is satisfied with the meeting and doesn't think his statement on the team leaving the championship is what made the FFA President reconsider. According to Hakobyan, his statement was a warning to the fans. Hakobyan also said children's football is developing in Kapan and Kajaran and "Gandzasar" will soon have new players.
Armen Davtyan, Kapan's "Sosi" TV
