Everton full-back Vitaliy Mykolenko has launched a scathing attack on the Russian national team for remaining silent over the invasion of Ukraine.
Russia launched a full-scale military attack on neighbouring Ukraine on Thursday, with fierce battles now raging in cities across the country.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed the goal of the military operation is to “denazify” Ukraine, a justification which has been dismissed by the Ukrainian government and its western allies.
The Premier League showed its support for Ukraine last weekend, which saw Ukraine internationals Mykolenko and Manchester City defender Oleksandr Zinchenko share a powerful embrace at Goodison Park ahead of Everton’s match against the league leaders.
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Mykolenko, who joined Everton from Dynamo Kyiv in the January transfer window, has now launched a blistering attack on Russia’s international footballers.
The Daily Mail claim the 22-year-old has slammed Russian captain Artem Dzyuba in a post on Instagram, which read: “Whilst you remain silent b**** along with your s***head football teammates, peaceful civilians are being killed in Ukraine.
“You will be locked in your dungeon for the rest of your life and most importantly the lives of your kids. And I'm glad.”
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Mykolenko’s comments come days after Zinchenko posted a picture of Putin to his Instagram story, alongside the caption: “I hope you die the most painful suffering death, creature.”
Russia’s national team and domestic clubs have now been suspended from all competitions by FIFA and UEFA.
The Russian men's team will no longer be able to play their 2022 World Cup play-off matches next month, while the women's team have been banned from this summer's Euro 2022.
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Meanwhile, Spartak Moscow will no longer play their Europa League last 16 tie against German club RB Leipzig, who will advance to the quarter-finals with a bye.
UEFA has also terminated a major sponsorship deal with Russian energy company Gazprom, while European football’s governing body has also moved this season’s Champions League final from Moscow to Paris.
Topics: Football, Everton, Premier League, Ukraine, Russia
Rory O'Callaghan