Alexei Mikhailichenko trapped in Ukraine nightmare as Rangers hero gives harrowing account of unfolding horror

Terrified Alexei Mikhailichenko admits football is the last thing on his mind after witnessing the first horrors of Vladimir Putin ’s vile invasion of his beloved Ukraine.

But the former Rangers star reckons the very least the game’s global powers could do to signal their disgust at the rogue Moscow regime would be to implement sanctions of their own and boot Russia out of international action.

Mikhailichenko should be planning his return to Glasgow in his role as vice-president of Ukrainian FA ahead of next month’s World Cup play-off clash at Hampden.

Instead, like millions of his compatriots, the only thoughts he has to consider is what will become of his homeland now that Russian troops have mounted their illegal offensive.

As it dawned on the 58-year-old that Putin was not bluffing on his intention to invade, Mikhailichenko gathered his family together at their home in Kiev.

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The nightmare fear became a disturbing reality at 6am yesterday morning as the first air-raid sirens blared in through the windows.

It was not long before the bombs and shells started to drop, with the sound of fighter jets crashing out of the sky only adding to the torment and anguish for the huddled Mikhailichenko