The unveiling of Ukraine’s tournament kit has led to an angry response from officials in Russia.
The Joma-designed kit, which will be worn during next week’s European Championship by the national team, features a map of the country in the centre of the shirt, which shows the Crimean Peninsula as a part of Ukraine. A slogan at the top of the back says “Glory to Ukraine!”, and inside there is another that declares “Glory to the heroes!”.
Both have led to a backlash from Russia, with some accusing Ukraine of bringing politics into football, a charge strongly denied. UEFA, for its part, initially confirmed the shirt met all regulations and was signed off before the tournament. But on Thursday, they backtracked following complaints from the Russian Football Union, and instructed Ukraine to remove the slogan ‘Glory to the heroes’.
