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Russia makes complaint regarding Ukraine Euro 2020 jersey


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Russia has made a complaint to UEFA over Ukraine's home shirt for Euro 2020. 

Russian anger has been sparked by a motif on their neighbours' jersey, which is an outline of the Ukrainian border including the disputed region of Crimea.

Furthermore, they're upset that military slogans emblazon the offending garment as well.

Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and considers the region their own, however it remains an internationally recognised part of Ukraine.

UEFA gave the green light to Ukraine's jersey on June 7 "in accordance with the applicable equipment regulations". But Russia regard it as provocation.

On the back collar are the words "Glory to Ukraine!", while inside the slogan "Glory to the heroes!" is printed.

"We are maintaining contacts and are well aware of the situation," Russian Sports Minister Oleg Matytsin said on Wednesday.

"We held dialogues yesterday [Tuesday] with the Russian Foreign Ministry and the Russian Football Union [RFU]".

"The RFU has requested UEFA to provide explanations.

"We have voiced our concerns in regard to the uniforms of the Ukrainian team".

The jersey has recently been modelled on Instagram by Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky.

Earlier this week, the RFU wrote to UEFA requesting they  "focus on the use of political slogans displayed on the uniforms of the Ukrainian national team.

"The slogans displayed contradict the basic principles of UEFA’s regulations regarding the prohibition of all political manifestations."

Ukraine head coach Andriy Shevchenko said this week he wasn't interested in the Russian reaction, "I'm interested in our reaction. I think our fans liked our uniform, so I'm pleased".

Russia is a partial host of the upcoming European Championships. The national team will play two Group B games in St. Petersburg, starting with Saturday night's game against Belgium.

Ukraine begin their Group C campaign against the Netherlands in Amsterdam on Sunday.

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Andriy Shevchenko Crimea Euro 2020 European Championships Russia Ukraine

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