Gary Lineker praises 'incredibly poignant' Ukraine display ahead of Everton versus Man City

There were emotional scenes at Goodison Park ahead of Everton's Premier League match with Manchester City this afternoon.

Responding to the saddening situation in Ukraine, both teams sent out a clear message to condemn Russia's actions of recent days.

During the pre-match warm-ups, there was a special moment as Vitalii Mykolenko and Oleksandr Zinchenko of Man City embraced one another at what is a difficult time for both players.

The defensive duo currently find themselves in the helpless position of being unable to support their native country, which is under attack following the orders of Russia president Vladimir Putin.

Everton players later emerged from the tunnel draped in Ukrainian flags while Pep Guardiola's side wore t-shirts with the Ukraine flag accompanied by the message of 'No War'.

As the two teams lined up on the pitch, the soundtrack of 'He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother' left Zinchenko in tears on the substitutes while some supporters inside the ground were, too, visibly upset.

Commenting on the scenes witnessed at Goodison Park, Lineker tweeted: "Amazing and lovely show of support to Ukraine at Goodison. Incredibly poignant."

Plenty of Everton fans echoed the words of the former Blues striker on social media as they expressed their pride at being a supporter of the club.