“Like being thrown into a cage for two hours, where the laws of animals operate, and then it all ends, and you’re a normal person again.”
Spartak Moscow fan and photographer, Alexey Dymarskiy
A lifelong Spartak fan and photographer, Alexey Dymarskiy knows how to capture the raw essence of football culture and tribal nature of fan culture. His photographs from Spartak Moscow’s away day celebrations against FC Arsenal Tula on the final day of the 2016-17 season, despite Spartak’s 3-0 defeat at the Arsenal Stadium, are a testament to his skill. His images, rich in atmosphere, encapsulate the passion and fervour of Spartak’s loyal fanbase, a sentiment that resonates deeply within Dymarskiy himself.
The 2016-17 season was a memorable one for Spartak Moscow. Managed by former Italian defender Massimo Carrera, the team clinched their 10th Russian Premier League title, a victory that ended a 16-year wait. This triumph solidified Spartak’s status as Russia’s most successful club, boasting a record 12 Soviet championships, 10 Russian championships, 10 Soviet Cups, 4 Russian Cups, and one Russian Super Cup.
Founded in 1922, Spartak Moscow has a rich history. Their nickname, “The Gladiators,” is derived from Spartacus, the gladiator who led an uprising against Ancient Rome. This spirit of resilience and fighting against the odds is woven into the fabric of the club, inspiring generations of fans.
Dymarskiy’s connection to Spartak Moscow runs deep. “I have been supporting Moscow Spartak since childhood,” he recalls. “My earliest memories are probably from the late 80s, early 90s. Like many, I started supporting them unconsciously – thanks to my dad and grandfather. My grandfather was a sports commentator in the Soviet Union, close friends with many Spartak players, so I didn’t have a choice.”
His early football idols included Spartak legends such as Cherenkov, Rodionov, Titov, and Tikhonov. This early exposure to top-tier football laid the foundation for his lifelong passion for the game. Even during his time in Paris in the late 90s, where he watched football greats like Rai, Ronaldinho, and Weah, the influence of Spartak’s legacy remained strong.
Dymarskiy’s photography is deeply influenced by the spirit of old-school football culture. He explains, “In football culture, I like the spirit of the old school. I love old stadiums and shooting them on film. It kind of recreates the feeling I had as a child. I like football for the pure emotions it gives, how simple its main principle is, ‘ours against enemies.’ It’s like being thrown into a cage for two hours of play, where the laws of animals operate, and then it all ends, and you’re a normal person again.”
Drawing inspiration from the classics of street photography, Dymarskiy’s work echoes the ironic gaze of Martin Parr and the gritty realism of Boogie. Yet, it’s his passion for music, spanning genres from punk to techno, hip-hop, and reggae, that infuses his photographs with a unique vibrancy and emotional depth.
The 2016-17 Spartak Moscow season, particularly the away match against FC Arsenal Tula, may have been a setback on the day, but it was a stepping stone to a greater triumph. Through Dymarskiy’s photos, we see not just a football match, but a vivid tapestry of loyalty, history, and unyielding spirit that defines Spartak Moscow and its ardent supporters.
Keep up with Alexey and his work on Instagram.
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