‘Kick the Russians out of the World Cup’

LEADING football figures are calling for FIFA to kick Russia out of the World Cup play-offs as part of the sporting sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine.

The Polish and Swedish football associations said yesterday they will not play matches next month out of solidarity with Ukraine.

Robert Lewandowski, Poland’s all-time scorer, backed his country’s decision to withdraw from their match against Russia.

‘I can’t imagine a match with the Russian national team in a situation when armed aggression in Ukraine continues,’ said Lewandowski.

‘Russian footballers and fans are not responsible for this, but we can’t pretend nothing is happening.’

On a day of sporting protests against the conflict, Everton and Manchester City’s players took to the field at Goodison Park last night in T-shirts showing the Ukraine flag.