Jhon Duran's Zenit St Petersburg Debut Overshadowed by Headlock Controversy
The career of Colombian striker Jhon Duran took another dramatic turn as his debut for Russian side Zenit St Petersburg was marred by a controversial incident just minutes into a pre-season friendly. The 22-year-old, who joined Zenit on loan in early February, was penalised for appearing to get an opponent in a headlock and haul him to the ground during a match against Shanghai Port.
A History of On-Field Drama and Club Moves
Duran's time in professional football has been characterised by both promise and turbulence. After spending two years with Aston Villa, where he scored 20 goals in 78 appearances across all competitions and challenged Ollie Watkins for a starting spot, his career path took unexpected twists. In January last year, he completed a controversial £64.5 million move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, following heavy links with West Ham and Chelsea.
However, his stint in Saudi Arabia was brief, with reports suggesting a more lucrative salary tempted him to move to Turkey on loan with Fenerbahce in the summer. That spell proved unsuccessful, as he scored just five goals in 21 games before the loan was cancelled, leading to his recent switch to Zenit St Petersburg.
The Debut Incident: A Headlock in a Friendly
Making his debut for Zenit in the starting XI against Shanghai Port, Duran found himself at the centre of attention within the first five minutes. While chasing down a long ball from a teammate, he engaged in a physical battle with a defender. After a series of shoves from both players, Duran appeared to jump above his opponent, grab him in a headlock, and pull him to the ground—an action that could have warranted a red card in a competitive fixture.
Fortunately for Duran, the friendly nature of the match likely influenced the referee's decision. Both players quickly got to their feet and shared a handshake before the official brandished a yellow card and urged calm. This lenient approach spared Duran from more severe consequences, though it highlighted his aggressive playing style.
Past Controversies and Disciplinary Concerns
This incident is not an isolated one in Duran's career. During his time at Aston Villa, he was sent off once for kicking out at Newcastle United defender Fabian Schar. Off the pitch, reports from The Athletic have raised concerns about his attitude, citing instances of late arrivals and behaviour that nearly breached the club's disciplinary standards during team meetings.
His move to Zenit comes at a time when the club is banned from UEFA competitions due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, adding another layer of complexity to his career trajectory. Despite the controversies, Duran's talent remains evident, but his ability to maintain discipline on and off the pitch will be crucial for his future in football.
