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Spartak Moscow star punished for road rage attack on pedestrian

Spartak Moscow midfielder Ayaz Guliyev has apologised after he was accused of hitting a pedestrian with his car before getting out and attacking him.

Spartak said Guliyev had been driving to training on Wednesday when he "came into a conflict" with a pedestrian.

"On April 10, there was a traffic incident involving Spartak midfielder Ayaz Guliev," a Spartak statement said.

"On the way to the training camp our player came into conflict with a pedestrian and used brute force against him.

"Subsequently the parties settled the conflict, and the victim said that he has no claims against the player.

"However, having studied the circumstances of the incident, the Spartak Moscow board has decided to apply strict disciplinary sanctions. Our club condemns any violence, and such behaviour is unacceptable."

Guliyev said: "I was aggressive and I admit my guilt. I want to apologise to the victim once again, and I apologise to my club, which raised me with quite opposite principles.

"I also say sorry to the red and white fans. This will be a lesson for me for life."

Russian tabloid Moskovsky Komsomolets reported that the person Guliyev hit was an American and said he had later paid expenses for treatment to a broken nose.

Sources said Guliyev had been fined five million roubles (£59,500).

Artur Petrosyan contributed to this report.