November 28th 2024.
On Wednesday night, Anatoliy Trubin, the Ukrainian goalkeeper for Benfica, played a crucial role in their victory over Monaco. However, before the match even began, Trubin made a statement that caught the attention of viewers worldwide. As it is customary in European football, players usually shake hands before the start of a Champions League game as a sign of respect, sportsmanship, and fair play. However, Trubin chose not to extend his hand to Monaco's Russian star, Aleksandr Golovin.
The reason behind Trubin's refusal to shake hands with Golovin was the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. With tensions still high, Trubin did not want to engage with a Russian player. As he walked past Golovin, the latter turned his head, but Trubin did not acknowledge him. It was a powerful gesture, and many football fans praised Trubin for taking a stand.
One fan, @ManateeSheriff, shared their thoughts on Reddit, saying, "I'm sure Trubin doesn't hold Golovin personally responsible, but he can still make a statement by refusing to engage with Russians while a war is going on." This is not the first time we have seen Ukrainians choosing not to shake hands with Russians in sports. It has become a common sight in tennis, where players usually shake hands at the net at the end of a match.
At this year's Wimbledon, Ukrainian player Dayana Yastremska refused to shake hands with her Russian-born French opponent, Varvara Gracheva. Last year, Elina Svitolina, another Ukrainian tennis player, explained that her decision not to shake hands with Russian opponents was due to her respect for her country's soldiers who were fighting in the ongoing conflict.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has also affected other sports, such as the Australian Open. In 2024, Ukrainian teenager Yelyzaveta Kotliar faced criticism for shaking hands with her Russian opponent, Vlada Mincheva. In response to the backlash, her father, Konstantin Kotliar, released a statement, saying, "Her emotions were running high, so she wasn't completely in control of her behavior. It was definitely a mistake that Liza regrets and assures us that she will never allow anything like that to happen again."
Trubin's refusal to shake hands with Golovin may seem like a small gesture, but it speaks volumes about the ongoing conflict between their two countries. It is a reminder that sports and politics are often intertwined, and sometimes, a simple gesture can make a powerful statement.
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