Yaremchuk celebrates his goal with a pro-Ukraine symbol
Scorer this Wednesday in the round of 16 first leg of the Champions League against Ajax (2-2), Ukrainian Roman Yaremchuk took off his jersey to display a symbol in support of his country. The Benfica striker justified his gesture after the match.
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia is gradually creeping into the world of sport. With positions taken on the part of certain players. This Wednesday, during the round of 16 first leg of the Champions League between Benfica and Ajax Amsterdam (2-2), Roman Yaremchuk wanted to send a message.
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“I wanted to support my country”
After equalizing in the 72nd minute, the Portuguese club’s Ukrainian striker celebrated his goal by unveiling a t-shirt in support of his country. He revealed a pro-Ukraine symbol on a black background, visibly the coat of arms of his nation. For having removed his jersey, Yaremchuk was unsurprisingly sanctioned with a yellow card as required by the regulations.
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« I wanted to support my country, he said after the match at the microphone of CNN, in remarks reported by the Portuguese daily A Bola. I have thought a lot about all this and I am afraid of what is happening. « I want to support my country. The club supports me, spoke to me and wanted to do everything to help me. »
Earlier in the day, his national teammate Oleksandr Zinchenko posted a message on his social networks to proclaim his love for his country and defend its interests in the face of the threat of a Russian invasion. « The entire civilized world is worried about the situation in my country, commented the Manchester City player. I cannot stay away and not give my opinion. (…) A country of which I defend colors on the international sports scene. »
The crisis situation between Ukraine and Russia could have repercussions in the world of football. According to the BBC, UEFA is studying the possibility of relocating the Champions League final scheduled for May 28 in Saint Petersburg. If the English media have mentioned London as a possible fallback solution, there is in theory very little chance of seeing this final being held at Wembley. The enclosure will be used for the Championship playoff final on May 29 and will therefore not be available.
