Aleksey Spiridonov | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Personal information | |||||
Full name | Aleksey Gayovitch Spiridonov | ||||
Born | Revyakino, Russia | June 26, 1988||||
Height | 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in) | ||||
Weight | 96 kg (212 lb) | ||||
Spike | 347 cm (137 in) | ||||
Block | 328 cm (129 in) | ||||
Volleyball information | |||||
Position | Outside hitter | ||||
Current club | Zenit Kazan | ||||
Number | 15 (club), 9 (national team) | ||||
Career | |||||
| |||||
National team | |||||
| |||||
Honours | |||||
Last updated: 21 December 2017 |
Aleksey Spiridonov (born 26 June 1988) is a Russian volleyball player, a member of Russia men's national volleyball team and Russian club Zenit Kazan,[1] European Champion 2011, gold medalist of the World League (2011, 2013).
The player has attracted much controversy, especially due to his repeated and ongoing extreme Polonophobic statements.[2]
In 2011 he was punished by Volleyball Federation of Russia because of drunkenness for six months.[3]
During match with Germany at World Championship 2014 held in Poland, he showed gesture "rifle shooting" in the direction of fans.[4] This was seen as a lack of respect for the fans and he was cautioned by the FIVB.[5] Repeatedly insulted the Polish nation in interviews with Russian media.[6] During the match against Poland, he spat on MP Marek Matuszewski, which he denied.[7] In May 2015 Spiridonov was suspended for 2 matches for his misbehavior in the match against Germany. Spiridonov will miss two games at the start of the World League on May 28 and 29 against Poland.[8]