Football saw its first form of casualties in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. Two Ukrainian footballers namely Vitalii Sapylo (21) and Dmytro Martynenko (25) were reported as casualties in the ongoing siege.
The 21-year-old Sapylo was a youth player associated with the Ukrainian second division side Karpaty Lviv. He lost his life while battling for his country near the capital city of Kyiv.
Martynenko, on the other hand, was a victim of an explosion that took place near his residence on the outskirts of Kyiv. The 25-year-old’s mother was also reported dead following the bomb blast.
Following the tragic incident, which officially marks bloodshed in the sport, FIFPRO released a statement that read:
“Our thoughts are with the families, friends and team-mates of young Ukrainian footballers Vitalii Sapylo and Dmytro Martynenko, football’s first reported losses in this war. May they both rest in peace.”
Ukraine legend Shevchenko appeals for the Russia-Ukraine war to stop
“Dear Italian friends, I ask you from San Siro to give your support for peace in Ukraine. The Ukrainian people want peace, because peace has no borders, because what unites us must be stronger than what divides us. Let us stop this war together. I embrace you all.”
