Robert Lewandowski and Aston Villa star Matty Cash speak out on Ukraine and Russia crisis

Aston Villa defender Matty Cash has come out in support of Ukraine as Russia's invasion of the country continues.

Cash plays for the Poland national team, who are due to play Russia in a World Cup play-off game next month ahead of the Qatar tournament later this year.

Villa star Cash, who became a Polish citizen last year having qualified through his mother's side and made his debut for Czesław Michniewicz's side in November, tweeted a statement that has been released by Polish players in conjunction with the Polish Football Association.

In it the players and their FA make clear their feelings on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, that started on Thursday, and outline their wish not to play the play-off against Russia.

Ukraine borders Poland to the country's east and has started taking in refugees.

"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," a statement tweeted by Cash, along with the flags of Poland and Ukraine and a handshake emoji, read.

"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 stil in Kiev with his family."

The statement is signed off with the hashtag #NoWarPlease.

Poland's most high profile player, Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski, also took to social media and wrote: "It is the right decision! I can't imagine playing a match with the Russian National Team in a situation when armed aggression in Ukraine continues.

"Russian footballers and fans are not responsible for this, but we