DAVID Martindale is hopeful Ivan Konovalov will not suffer any supporter backlash when the Livingston debutant becomes the first Russian to play in the UK since the invasion of Ukraine.
Konovalov will deputise for Max Stryjek against Hibernian this afternoon after the Lions number one accepted a two-game ban for violent conduct this week following an angry clash with Aberdeen attacker Vicente Besuijen in last Saturday’s 2-1 victory at Pittodrie.
Konovalov signed from Rubin Kazan in January and the goalkeeper’s eventual arrival, delayed because of visa red tape, coincided with his country’s military action in neighbouring Ukraine. With a wife and child still in Moscow, the war has not helped the 27-year-old settle into life in Scotland.
However, after a series of private chats with the former Radnički Niš and Torpedo-BelAZ Zhodino player, Martindale is optimistic fans will recognise the separation between an individual footballer and the actions of Vladimir Putin and the Russian state.
He said: “Ivan’s been brand new. There’s not been a lot of flights to Russia so when we’ve had that downtime he’s not been able to get back to see his wife and daughter. The flights are astronomical and he can’t afford to go back home but that’s him now applied for a visa for his wife and daughter to come over here and he’s moved into his own apartment now.
“I can’t speak for Ivan but a lot of Russian people, from what I gather, don’t agree with what’s going on [in Ukraine]. He’s a really good guy who has spent a lot of time away from his family.
“Max is Polish and Poland has gone out of their way to help Ukraine, and I think Max and Ivan share very similar views. They’ve worked out, culturally, very well for each other.”
Asked if he was concerned about the reception Konovalov may get, Martindale added: “We all talk about diversity and inclusion and this has got to come into it. It’s not as if it’s the Russian people who have chosen this war.”
Martindale was made aware of Konovalov’s availability by a Russian agent he has built contacts with and the Livi manager insists he is keen to pursue further new signings from the country - and from Ukraine - in the future.
“I’ve tried to dip into the Ukrainian market because players are available,” he added. “First and foremost, they need to be able to play for Livingston, ability-wise. But is it something you’d like to help out with? Of course.
“We’ve explored the Russian market and that’s one I want to be active in, but I don't know how that process would work from a political or Home Office point of view.”
