Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Marlen Chobanov, a defender for the Andijan football club, has found himself at the center of a scandal after physically assaulting a National Guard officer in Uzbekistan.

The incident occurred on 11 August at the Bunyodkor Stadium in the Chilanzar district of Tashkent.

Following the conclusion of the football match between Bunyodkor and Andijan, Chobanov, who was in the VIP section of the stadium, attempted to exit through the VIP exit without possessing a special badge.

A National Guard officer instructed him to use a different exit. In response, the footballer refused to comply and, during a resulting argument, struck the officer in the face, causing physical injuries.

The Chilanzar district prosecutor’s office has opened a criminal case under Part 2 of Article 219 of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan, which addresses the coercion of a public official to refuse to perform their duties or commit illegal actions. An investigation is currently underway.