Everton's Pre-Match Anti-War Statement Vs Boreham Wood Was Incredibly Emotional

Everton made a powerful anti-war statement ahead of the FA Cup tie with Boreham Wood in emotional scenes at Goodison Park.

The Toffees hosted the Non League outfit in the fifth round clash and made sure to highlight Russia's invasion of Ukraine by displaying solitary.

Players from both sides were draped in the Ukrainian flag, while the visitors even carried a shirt with the name of Everton's left-back Vitaly Mykolenko to stand with him in these tough times.

The 22-year-old, who laid into Russian skipper Artem Dzyuba for his silence this week, was named captain for the fixture by Frank Lampard.

The gestured followed Manchester City doing the same for compatriot Oleksandr Zinchenko against Peterborough on Tuesday.

Prior to 1-0 defeat to City last weekend, Everton played 'He ain't heavy he's my brother' over the tannoy and the choice of song was even more powerful this time when John Lennon's 'Imagine' was blared out.

One fan in the stands was balling his eyes out as the track played, while both sets of players held up a sign containing its poignant lyrics and message.

There was widespread frustration from viewers, however, as ITV's coverage of the special moment was interrupted and the advert break commenced.

Everton further showed their class ahead by funding the production of a special edition black kit for Boreham Wood and also covered the costs of their travel and hotel.

There would have been a kit clash as Boreham Wood normally play in white, which clashed with Everton's shorts and socks.

Their blue away kit would have brought similar issues.