Everton’s Mykolenko hits out at Russia footballers’ silence over Ukraine invasion

Everton’s Vitaliy Mykolenko has hit out at Artem Dzyuba and the Russia captain’s international teammates for their silence over the invasion of Ukraine.

The Ukraine defender, who joined Everton from Dynamo Kyiv in January, embraced his international colleague Oleksandr Zinchenko before Manchester City’s game at Goodison Park last Saturday as the attention of the football world focused on the plight of their country.

But, while support for Ukraine has been widespread, Mykolenko is furious that has not extended to all the players from Russia’s football team.

In a post on Instagram in his native language, the 22-year-old said: “Whilst you remain silent, bitch, along with your shithead 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.”

The Russia striker Fedor Smolov posted on Instagram last week: “No to War!!!” Mykolenko’s post came after Fifa and Uefa suspended Russia from all competitions.

Alisher Usmanov, who has sponsorship links to Everton, had his assets frozen as part of sanctions imposed by the European Union. He described the move as unjust.