Russian footballer Artyom Dzhuba has criticized the treatment of Russian athletes, who are facing sanctions due to their country’s military attack on Ukraine and are being excluded from competitions around the world.
According to the 33-year-old striker in St. Petersburg, people should not be discriminated against because of their nationality. “The war is scary. But I am shocked by human aggression and hatred. I am against discrimination based on nationality. I am proud to be Russian. And I do not understand why athletes have to suffer,” Dzjuba told Instagram.
“Why does everyone always say that sport should stay out of politics, but at the first opportunity, when it comes to Russia, this principle is completely forgotten?” added a player with 55 starts for the national team, which last played for the national team last summer.
The vast majority of the world’s federations have excluded Russian athletes and teams from international competitions due to the week-long invasion of Ukraine. Although some federations regretted the decision, they stressed that the Russian regime was attacking a sovereign state when it was impossible to do otherwise. Some Russian athletes condemned the war in Ukraine and called for peace.
“The war will end, but interpersonal relationships will remain. And to some colleagues who are sitting on their asses in villas in England and saying ugly things: That can’t offend us,” Dzjuba added.
