FENERBAHCE stood in solidarity with Dynamo Kyiv ahead of their Champions League qualifier.
The Turkish side wore “STOP WAR” t-shirts as Dynamo lined up for their first match since December following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Fenerbahce stars Willian Arao (left) and Atilla Szalai wore ‘STOP WAR’ t-shirtsCredit: GettyDynamo Kyiv players covered themselves with Ukraine flagsCredit: GettyUkrainians turned out in their numbers in Lodz, PolandCredit: Getty
Dynamo will now travel to Istanbul for the second leg after battling to a goalless draw in their adoptive home of Lodz, Poland.
Uefa ordered Ukrainian teams to play abroad in neutral territory to avoid the risk of getting caught up in the conflict.
Dynamo boss Mircea Lusesca is happy to be back playing competitive football after a difficult period for him and his players.
Lucescu became a figurehead for Ukrainian resistance during the early days of the invasion by pledging not to leave the country and seek sanctuary elsewhere.
Kyiv bosses sent the squad to Bucharest for safety in April and they have played a series of “peace” friendlies since.
Lucescu, though, has declined offers from suitors, including tonight’s opponents – who instead appointed Portuguese Jorge Jesus, in charge for the first time this evening – to show his commitment to the club and country.
And speaking ahead of the tie, he said: “Football is a part of everyone’s life.
“It was important in the pandemic and now it gives hope, enthusiasm and motivation to life.
