How Athletes And The Sports World Has Shown Support For Ukraine

2 years ago 328

Plenty of Ukrainian flags in soccer crowds this weekend.

This is S.L. Benfica striker Roman Yaremchuk, who plays in the Portuguese soccer league Primeira Liga. He is also from Lviv, Ukraine.

Roman Yaremchuk celebrates after scoring a goal

Gualter Fatia / Getty Images

When he checked into the game this past weekend, in the first game since Russians invaded Ukraine, the reaction from fans and players was very moving:

@slbenfica_en / Twitter / Via Twitter: @slbenfica_en

A week earlier, Yaremchuk scored a goal and flashed his shirt underneath his jersey, which was the Ukrainian National Trident symbol.

Roman Yaremchuk shows off Ukrainian trident shirt after goal

Gualter Fatia / Getty Images

Moments like this have spilled across the sports world. Supportive messages like Russian tennis player Andrey Rublev signing a camera lens on court with the message, "No war please."

Russian tennis player Andrey Rublev writes "No war please" on the camera following his advancement to the final in Dubai.

03:39 PM - 25 Feb 2022

@TSN_Sports / Twitter / Via Twitter: @TSN_Sports

Here's what that looked like in action:

Even the No. 1 tennis player in the world, Russia's Daniil Medvedev, spoke out and said, "In this moment, you understand that tennis sometimes is not that important...by being a tennis player, I want to promote peace all over the world."

Daniil Medvedev holds a hand over his heart, appreciative of the crowd

Elsa / Getty Images

The Manchester City and Everton match had a united moment at Goodison Park, each player showcasing the Ukraine flag.

Emma Simpson - Everton FC/Everton FC via Getty Images , @Everton / Twitter / Via Twitter: @Everton

Both teams have Ukrainian players on their squads. Oleksandr Zinchenko (Man City) and Vitaliy Mykolenko (Everton), who both seemed moved by the solidarity from everyone in the stadium.

Everton and Man City's players have both taken on their own tribute to Ukraine as they take to the field at Goodison Park, with the famous Toffees siren also silenced this afternoon.

05:37 PM - 26 Feb 2022

@SkySportsNews / Twitter / Via Twitter: @SkySportsNews

In other soccer news, FIFA and UEFA both suspended all Russia clubs and their National squad.

FIFA and UEFA have suspended Russia's national teams and clubs from international football until further notice due to the country's invasion of Ukraine. https://t.co/sfK4t0da71

06:30 PM - 28 Feb 2022

Thanassis Stavrakis / AP , @CBCNews / Twitter / Via Twitter: @CBCNews

Plenty of other supportive words and gestures denouncing war were heard this past week, like Polish tennis star Iga Swiatek...

“If sport can connect us even if a bit today and give us a tiny bit of joy in these tough moments, I’m grateful for that.” - 🇵🇱@iga_swiatek sharing her support for the people of Ukraine 🇺🇦

10:30 PM - 26 Feb 2022

@WTA / Twitter / Via Twitter: @WTA

...the NBA rallied around Ukrainian teammate Alex Len...

Before tonight's game tipped-off with the Kings and Nuggets in Sacramento, both teams joined arm-in-arm in support of Kings C Alex Len, whose home country of Ukraine has been invaded by Russia. Their message: "NO WAR."

03:18 AM - 25 Feb 2022

@SeanCunningham / Twitter / Via Twitter: @SeanCunningham

...and retired boxer and Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko's words might have meant the most:

Former heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko, the mayor of Ukraine's capital of Kyiv, plans to take up arms to defend against Russia's invasion along with his brother, Wladimir. More: https://t.co/MNf8CuIrln

12:21 AM - 25 Feb 2022

Photo by GENYA SAVILOV/AFP via Getty Images , @ESPN / Twitter / Via Twitter: @espn

Yes, Vitali Klitschko, 4,382 days as world heavyweight champion in boxing...that's a good fighter to have in your corner.

Vitali Klitschko in boxing ring with a Ukraine flag draped over his shoulders

Al Bello / Getty Images

What are your thoughts on suspending Russian soccer clubs from competition? Do you think it will it contribute to the pressure of the ever-growing pile of sanctions? Comment below.

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