CSKA Moscow captain Sergei Ignashevich has jumped to the defense of teammate Pontus Wernbloom after the Swede was criticized for his overly physical game.
The former AZ Alkmaar midfielder, 25, joined the Moscow side on a four-and-a half year deal in January.
He has ruffled feathers in the Premier League for his tough tackling, earning five yellow cards in six games and a barrage of criticism for those on the receiving end.
"Pontus is uncompromising both on training and during the match," Ignashevich said. "He might be physical and even sometimes impudent, but he is not cynical, as many players and referees think."
Zenit and Russia midfielder Roman Shirokov was quoted saying that "Wernbloom is going to cripple half of the Premier League," following the 2-2 draw against CSKA on March 3.
Wernbloom was booked for an elbow on Zenit striker Danko Lazovic during the game.
He has two goals and 21 caps for Sweden. He scored on his competitive debut for CSKA, salvaging a 1-1 draw against Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League knockout tie in February.
