Ukraine supporters took aim at Vladimir Putin, both in song and symbolically, as their national team took on England at Wembley on Sunday.
Players from England and Ukraine joined together in a call for peace before the European Championships qualifier, which was won 2-0 by the hosts. Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka netted within the space of three first-half minutes, with the visitors unable to respond.
In the stands, meanwhile, anti-Putin songs rang out from those in the away end. Paper aeroplanes also rained down on the pitch, with Ukraine having been hit by Russian air strikes as the war continues, and one of them read 'we need F-16' in reference to the fighter aircraft.
Those in the crowd - though it was unclear if this was in the England or Ukraine end - were handed lyrics sheets for a song making reference to Russian bombers. The lyrics are said to have taken a similar format to the 'German bombers' song which sections of the England crowd have sung during international games; although there is no suggestion the song was actually sung.
Meanwhile, a number of the paper aeroplanes on the pitch were in the colours of the Ukraine flag. According to The Mail, some members of Ukraine staff took up to eight days to make the trip to the UK amid bans on flying out of the European country amid the ongoing war.
Both before and after the game, Channel 4's broadcast served reminders of what has been going on in Ukraine. Andriy Shevchenko was among the punditry team, and the former national team manager explained the importance of the fixture.
"I think today is not just football, it’s a lot more," Shevchenko said before the game. "A lot more meaningful to my country.
"For me to be here today and represent my country, and I want to say thank you to all of England for incredible support, you’ve been very close to us since the war started and this means a lot for me and my country. Also I want to say thank you for the Ukrainian soldiers as well for staying on the front line and defending [our country].
"We’re so lucky they sacrifice their lives for us and the Ukrainian team today, just because there’s so many people on the front lines losing their lives to defend, they stay strong to help freedom to Ukraine. We’re mentally very strong and in difficult moments we’re united all together."
Shevchenko also praised Ukraine captain Oleksandr Zinchenko. The Arsenal left-back, who plays in midfield for his country, has spoken out against the war since it began in 2022.
" I want to say a couple of words about Oleksandr because I am so proud of him," Shevchenko added. "I am proud of what the man has done, he took the responsibility, always talk about Ukraine, and the way he’s playing this season is incredible.
The 46-year-old reiterated his comments after the match. " Honestly, it’s very important for us and for all the world that again, we remind about Ukraine," he said. "Ukrainian fans were unbelievable today to support the team also. We come here, it is such a big deal for us, thank you very much for all your support."
