Russia pundits slam Arshavin's "parody of football"

Andrey Arshavin has been made the scapegoat for Russia’s goalless draw in Armenia.

The stalemate leaves the Russians level on points with the Republic of Ireland and Slovakia in Group B of the Euro 2012 qualifiers.

And former Soviet international Sergei Andreev claimed the 29-year-old Arsenal midfielder let his country down.

“Arshavin’s first half was just a catastrophe,” he said. “I feel he doesn’t want to play football any more.

“He was not even walking around the pitch, let alone running. He just stood in the middle, pointing his finger to [tell] others where to send the ball.”

Another ex-Russia international, Dmitri Kuznetsov, complained: “I can only wonder why his team-mates watch all this but do not say anything.

“They have to play with only 10 men in the team. Arshavin’s performance on Saturday was a parody of football.”

And pundit Yevgeni Lovchev claimed: “His time is past. He is no longer one of the top 11 players at Arsenal, nor a leader of our national team.

“It is as if he keeps disappearing from the pitch. And such periods are becoming longer and longer. Previously he could take a five-minute break, now we do not see him for 10 or 15 minutes at a time.”

Arshavin, who has won 58 caps, still thinks Russia can qualify for the finals.

“We had to win, but it didn’t happen. I hope we will still finish first and I believe in it," he said. "If Armenia takes second place, I would not mind. Their hospitable fans deserve it.”