Premier League refs told NOT to punish players for showing support for Ukraine

Premier League players will be able to show their support for Ukraine following Russia’s invasion after referees were told not to punish players with yellow cards for displaying ‘political’ messages.

Matty Cash, the Aston Villa defender, was booked after revealing a message for Poland team-mate Tomasz Kedziora following his goal against Brighton on Saturday.

Kedziora signed for Dynamo Kiev five years ago and he’s remained in the Ukrainian capital since the attacks started. His country – Poland – are also refusing to play Russia in a World Cup play-off later this month.

Cash was cautioned for removing his shirt but the display of political messages can warrant a fine or warning.

For the latest updates on the Russia-Ukraine war, visit our live blog: Russia-Ukraine live

But the Daily Mail say that referees have been told to show ’empathy and understanding’ for players that show solidarity with those affected by the invasion in Ukraine.

There were numerous messages of support for Ukraine over the weekend, with Everton players entering the pitch at Goodison Park draped in the country’s flag.

Manchester United and Watford joined forces before kick-off to display a message of peace, while clubs like Crystal Palace displayed messages on screens around the stadium.

More than 500,000 citizens have fled Ukraine since Vladimir Putin’s invasion began on Thursday.

Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukraine president, said yesterday that at least 16 children had been killed and dozens injured since the fighting began but that number has likely risen since.

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