Russian footballer faces 5 years in prison for hitting government official with a chair

- Two Russian national team players are under investigation for attacking government officials

- They were said to have hit those administrators with chair as they ended up in hospital

- Zenit St Petersburg have come out to reveal they will sanction the striker if found guilty

Russian topflight side Zenit St Petersburg have expressed disappointment towards their striker Alexander Kokorin after hitting a chair on government official.

The 27-year-old alongside Krasnodar midfielder Pavel Mamaev were said to have been captured by security cameras attacking the man as he ate breakfast at a table in the corner of the room.

According to the Independent quoting Russian news outlet, Gazeta, claim the duo were unruly in their behaviours towards the cafe's attendants as they were believed to have taken dru'gs.

The publication further stated the government officials who were attacked by the players ended up in hospital, with one losing a tooth, and Moscow police are investigating.

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However, the club while reacting to the incident said on their official website admitted Kokorin’s involvement and are ready to discipline the player.

"Regarding yesterday's incident in Moscow involving Alexander Kokorin, we absolutely condemn the actions of those involved, it has caused outrage within our club and we are waiting for a legal assessment from the relevant authorities, but from a personal point of view, such behaviour is truly shocking," the statement said.

"We are now considering what punishment the club will take against the player and action will be forthcoming in the near future.

"At this present time, the club and the supporters are very disappointed that one of the country's most talented footballers has behaved in such a manner."

A Russian lawyer quoted by Gazeta claimed that, if found guilty of the attack, Kokorin and Mamaev will face up to five years in prison.

Both stars were not part of the Russian national team that crashed out of the FIFA World Cup at the quarterfinal stage in July.

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Injury forced Kokorin out of the team while in action for his side in March, meanwhile minister of sport Pavel Kolobkov said their international careers are most likely over if their guilt is proven.

"If professional athletes are really involved in this, Zenit attacker Alexander Kokorin and Krasnodar midfielder Pavel Mamaev, then this is unacceptable - unsportsmanlike behaviour, which casts a shadow on all Russian football,” Kolobkov told Russian news agency Tass.

"These guys are not playing in the Russian national team and, apparently, will never be."

NAIJ.com previously reported that France World Cup winner Hugo Lloris has been fined £50,000 after pleading guilty to driving home drunk following a night out with fellow France teammates.

The 31-year-old goalkeeper was found in a compromising position, slurring words and wobbling around on his feet with what appeared to be vomit on his clothes.

Lloris spent a night in the cells following his arrest at around 2.20am in Gloucester Place, Marylebone on August 24.

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Source: Naija.ng