The head coach of Pyunik FC, Yeghishe Melikyan, made an emotional statement on his social media following an incident that occurred during the match against Ararat-Armenia. During the game, a group of fans staged a protest against the actions of the Football Federation of Armenia (FFA), leading to a match interruption. To resume play, the police detained nine protesters.
Melikyan, known for his principled stance and love for Armenian football, did not remain indifferent to the situation. In his statement, he expressed deep concern and called for dialogue among all parties involved.
Yeghishe Melikyan’s Statement:
"A few days ago, I witnessed how violence was used, how devoted and concerned Armenian football fans were forced to the ground, expressing their demands, which they have every right to do.
As a former player of the Armenian national team, I watched this scene with pain and am convinced that such extreme methods will not lead Armenian football to anything good.
I urge the relevant authorities to refrain from the use of force, drop all charges, and release the detained fans. Ultimately, a dialogue must take place, and common ground must be found."
Context of the Situation
The incident occurred amid growing discontent among fans and part of the football community regarding the actions of the Football Federation of Armenia. Protesters voiced their disagreement with several FFA decisions, which they believe negatively impact the development of Armenian football. The protest was peaceful, but the police intervention and the detention of fans caused a significant public outcry.
Public Reaction
Melikyan’s statement resonated with fans and football experts. Many supported his call for dialogue and condemned the use of force against supporters. At the same time, some pointed out that such incidents highlight the need for systemic changes in the management of Armenian football.