Oleksandr Zinchenko: Man City star hits out at Russian striker for post on Ukraine invasion

• Artem Dzyuba believes there is a double standard in the way the sporting world is responding to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
• According to the Zenit St Petersburg striker, sports was being politicized because of the invasion
• But Manchester City star Oleksandr Zinchenko responded to Dzyuba’s claims, saying punishment should be issued all over

Manchester City star Oleksandr Zinchenko on Thursday, March 3 hit out at fellow footballer Artem Dzyuba after the Russian weighed in on the current situation in Ukraine.

Ukraine has been heavily backed by the football world over the past week, after coming under attack from Russia.

On the other hand, individuals and parties with ties to Russia are feeling the heat, especially in sport, as sanctions continue to be slapped by various governing bodies.

Russian clubs and the national team have since been banned by UEFA and FIFA, while in Paralympics, Russian and Belarusian athletes will be allowed to participate, but they will do so under the Paralympic flag.

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In motorsport, the World Motor Sport Council held an extraordinary meeting on Tuesday where a wide range of punishments were imposed on Russian and Belarusian motorsport.

Dzyuba’s take

As Russian nationals in sport continue to feel the effects of the invasion, Dzyuba decided to speak on the matter in a brutally honest statement on social media.

“War is terrifying. I am shocked by human aggression and hate, which is moving to a larger scale every day.” He wrote.

"I am against discrimination based on your nationality. I am not ashamed to be Russian. I am proud to be Russian. I don't understand why athletes have to suffer now.

"I am against double standards. Why are some allowed everything, but we are blamed for everything? Why does everyone always say that sport is apolitical, but with the first opportunity, when it concerns Russia, this principle is absolutely forgotten?"

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Zinchenko’s response

Zinchenko has since responded to Dzyuba’s sentiments with his own statement, where he distanced himself from claims that Russia groomed him to be the footballer he is today.

“We continue to promote truth. There are several important messages that I want to convey to the public, in particular the citizens of the aggressor's country and "colleagues in the shop,” said Zincheko’s post.

"There was a period in my football career when I played for FC UFA. It was a difficult but useful 1.5 years. I will always be grateful to this club for everything they have done for me. But I want to emphasize that I became a footballer in Ukraine. It was in my homeland that I received my football education, studied at academies and grew up. Therefore, to all those who accuse me that Russian football brought me up, I want to say once again: I am a pupil of the Academy of the beautiful UKRAINIAN city of Donetsk!

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On the question of whether Russian athletes should be punished for their country’s invasion on Ukraine, the Manchester City midfielder said “punishment should be administered on all platforms”.

Chelsea up for sale

In other news Russian billionaire, Roman Abramovich has put Chelsea Football Club up for sale.

The 55-year-old is believed to be looking for a quick sale of the Blues and has slammed a £4 billion price tag on Chelsea.

Pressure has been mounting on Abramovich by Legislators in the UK for the billionaire’s assets to be seized since Russia declared war on Ukraine as many believe he is a strong ally to Vladimir Putin.

Abramovic recently handed stewardship of the club to the Trustees of the Chelsea Foundation.