First League Departure Announced: Sokol, Grandson of Kantari, Leaves the League
Rewritten Article:
Saratov's Sokol suffered a 1:2 defeat in Krasnoyarsk against Enisey, effectively ending their chances of retaining a place in the First League this season after 32 matches. With just 26 points, Sokol finds itself in 17th place in the standings.
On the pitch, Georgian defender Giorgi Kantaria, the great-grandson of Meliton Kantaria who raised the Victory Banner over the Reichstag in 1945, played 59 minutes in the loss.
Before the game, an "Immortal Regiment" event took place, with players marching while carrying portraits of relatives who fought in the war. Giorgi Ktantaria expressed pride about his family's heroic history: "I'm incredibly proud of him. He's a true hero. I've played in Belarus, and there was an 'Immortal Regiment' march. Someone was carrying a portrait of Meliton Kantaria and later recognized me, took photos, and we exchanged some memorable moments."
Looking for more detailed insights? Chat about this game in the RBC Sport Telegram channel.
- Despite the 1:2 defeat against Enisey in Krasnoyarsk, Saratov's Sokol football team still harbors hopes for the Champions League or any other European leagues, given their historical performance.
- The 26 points earned by Sokol this season, in the Regiment's 32 matches, has placed them in a precarious 17th position in the First League standings.
- Georgian defender Giorgi Kantaria, a descendant of Meliton Kantaria, who raised the Victory Banner over the Reichstag in 1945, played a significant part in Saratov's Sokol's loss against Enisey.
- Prior to the match, an "Immortal Regiment" event was held, where players marched with portraits of their family members who fought in past wars, including Giorgi Kantaria, who expressed profound pride in his family's heroic history.
- Giorgi Kantaria shared a poignant experience from a previous game in Belarus, where someone carried a portrait of his great-grandfather, Meliton Kantaria, during an "Immortal Regiment" march, leading to a memorable encounter and cherished moments.
