When Spartak Trnava announced the arrival of centre-back Lazar Stojsavljević, it seemed a routine move. With Marek Ujlaky sidelined for the rest of the year, the Slovak league leaders needed reinforcements in defence.
But the signing has caused unease among sections of Trnava’s fanbase, according to Denník N. Stojsavljević, a 27-year-old Serbian defender born in London, most recently played for Russian side FK Sochi – a connection many supporters view as problematic given Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
The backlash was swift. Fans voiced their disapproval on social media, only for their posts to disappear. Spartak insists it deleted only abusive comments and blocked just two accounts, though evidence suggests more widespread moderation. “There was no mass blocking,” the club said in a statement. “We removed only vulgar content.”
The controversy has even reached the broadcast booth. TV Markíza commentator Andrej Zvolenský confirmed he will refuse to say Stojsavljević’s name on air, citing his personal principles – a stance he also applies to Slovan Bratislava’s Jurij Medvedev, another former Sochi player.
On the footballing side, Spartak’s logic is clear. Stojsavljević knows the Slovak league well from his time at Trenčín, has the aerial strength Trnava craves, and, crucially, is a left-footed defender – a rarity in modern football. Out of contract after a short, unconvincing stint in Russia, he was available outside the transfer window.
“After Ujlaky’s injury we had to strengthen at centre-back,” said sporting director Martin Škrtel. “Lazar has experience here, he knows the environment, and he gives us balance.”
Trnava hope Stojsavljević can settle quickly. Whether supporters will warm to him is another matter.
