Hayley McQueen said she became emotional following a segment on Ukraine
(Picture: Sky Sports News )Sky Sports News presenter, Hayley McQueen has revealed why she became emotional live on air.
During a report on Saturday, the presenter admitted she struggled after witnessing a segment concerning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Before moving to a pre-recorded interview of Manchester City player, John Stones, the 42-year-old presenter admitted she became a “bit upset”.
McQueen, who had donned a blue and yellow outfit in honour of Ukraine, took to Instagram to address the moment.
She said: “I’ve covered many tragic stories on Sky Sports over the years & pride myself on remaining professional & keeping emotions in check but for some reason yesterday really got to me. Since becoming a mother I guess I think about the world differently & have definitely become a lot more sensitive.
“Anyhow I got a bit upset on air briefly, we started with reports on how sport is reacting to the Russian invasion of Ukraine & I’d just been watching my Sky News colleagues reporting from Kyiv.
“It was images of children escaping Ukraine, fathers saying goodbye to their children, one little girl in particular was clutching a teddy bear under each arm all wrapped up in a snowsuit and hat just like my Ayla.
“I’m a little embarrassed it got to me whilst on air but I couldn’t get the thoughts out of my head. I know we have to remain impartial as journalists but I wore colours as a little something to let Ukrainians, my Ukrainian friends & work colleagues know I am thinking of them standing in solidarity in the darkest of times.
“Thanks for the messages of concern, all my thoughts right now are with the people of Ukraine & all those effected.”
Announced on Sunday, the FA said it would no longer play Russia in any international match for the foreseeable future.
An FA statement read: “Out of solidarity with the Ukraine and to wholeheartedly condemn the atrocities being committed by the Russian leadership, the FA can confirm that we won’t play against Russia in any international fixtures for the foreseeable future.”
England has now joined Poland, the Czech Republic and Sweden in boycotting matches against Russia.
FIFA has also announced a package of initial measures against Russia, as the sporting world hits back against the state.
No international match will be played in Russia, the team will also be known as the ‘Football Union of Russia’ and no flag or anthem will be played at any match.
