Matty Cash Booked For Revealing Message Of Support For Poland Teammate Who Remains In War-Torn Ukraine

Aston Villa full-back Matty Cash was booked after revealing a message of support for Poland teammate Tomasz Kedziora after scoring against Brighton.

Cash, 24, opened the scoring in Saturday’s Premier League match at the Amex Stadium with a superb effort from 25 yards out.

During his goal celebration, Cash removed his Aston Villa shirt to reveal an undershirt with the message: “Tomasz Kedziora + family, stay strong my bro.”

Cash was controversially booked by referee John Brookes for the gesture.

Kedziora plays for Ukrainian side Dynamo Kyiv and remains in the country following Russia’s invasion of its neighbour.

Cash plays alongside Kedziora for the Polish national side, having made his debut for the country in 2021.

Poland have announced that they will refuse to play Russia in their 2022 World Cup play-off semi-final, in protest at the invasion.

Russia were scheduled to host Poland on March 24, with the winner set to face either Sweden or the Czech Republic in the final.

Sweden have also confirmed they will boycott any potential match against Russia.

Earlier this week, Cash released a public statement addressing Poland’s boycott, in which he referenced Kedziora.

"We, the players of the Polish national team, together with the Polish Football Association, decided that as a result of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, we do not intend to play in the play-off match against Russia," Cash wrote on Instagram.

"It is not an easy decision, but there are more important things in life than football.

"Our thoughts are with the Ukrainian nation and our friend from the national team, Tomasz Kedziora, who is still in Kiev with his family."