Malinovskyi apologizes to Ukrainians for mentioning Golovin
OM Ukrainian international Ruslan Malinovskyi has been criticized by many compatriots for having eliminated Russian attacking midfielder Aleksandr Golovin in the draw against Monaco (1-1) on Saturday in Ligue 1.
In the midst of the war in Ukraine, this distinction does not pass. Ukrainian attacking midfielder Ruslan Malinovskyi has apologized for defeating his Russian international opponent Aleksandr Golovin at the end of Sunday evening’s match between Olympique de Marseille and AS Monaco (1-1) in Ligue 1. This gesture, made after the final whistle when all the actors shook hands, caused the ire of many Ukrainian netizens.
“In an individual sport, I would not play against a Russian”
“I want to apologize to the Ukrainians, regretted Ruslan Malinovskyi in a text published on Instagram. I understand that it would have been better if I avoided him, but it turns out that he came to greet me . After a game, all the players shake hands and I mechanically did that. I understand how important that is to you.”
“In an individual sport, I would not even play against a Russian athlete. I support the end of the disqualification of Russians from international competitions. Glory to Ukraine”, also wrote the former Atalanta player, who despite everyone deplores the “insults” and the questioning of his attachment to his country in the face of Russia.
Ruslan Malinovskyi, 29, has 51 caps with the Ukraine national team. He joined OM this winter on a loan with an option to buy at the end of the season.
At the Commanderie in the wake of his arrival in Marseille, Malinovskyi had met several Ukrainian families who had taken refuge in France at the start of the conflict with Russia. “It was a very important gesture and I was happy to see these people, he commented. I can give a little joy for an hour, a day. And we can show that we are Ukrainians, strong and we have to stay strong together.”