OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO has revealed he and his family have received death threats after his blunder gifted Germany a goal in Sunday’s Nations League game.
The Manchester City star, 23, lost possession in the build-up to Germany’s equaliser in their crunch Group A4 game.
Zinchenko has slammed Ukraine fans who sent him death threats after his mistake during his side’s 3-1 loss to GermanyCredit: AFP
Zinchenko, pictured with wife Vlada Sedan, revealed his family had also received death threatsCredit: Instagram @Vlada_Sedan
Roman Yaremchuk had given Ukraine a key lead in their bid to avoid relegation to the second tier of the Nations League.
But Leroy Sane equalised with a superb goal after Zinchenko – playing out of position, in midfield – lost the ball to Leon Goretzka in his own half.
Timo Werner then scored twice as Germany went on to take all three points and stay top of the group.
The defeat means Ukraine must now avoid defeat at the hands of Switzerland in their final group game to avoid relegation from the top tier of the Nations League.
And now, Zinchenko has taken to Instagram to reveal his gaffe has led to death threats from sick fans.
Zinchenko wrote: “Reading all the dirt that poured on me and my family after yesterday’s game, once again convinced what kind of people we have and how they know how to support.
“Fortunately or unfortunately, the demand is already such that it is no longer permissible to make a mistake on ANOTHER’s half of the field.
“For losing the ball on ANOTHER half of the field, I repeat, people wish you and your family death.
Ukraine need to avoid defeat to Switzerland to avoid Nations League relegation
“Feeling responsible for the defeat, I turn to adequate fans, which we, unfortunately, have little left.
“The final is waiting for all of us with you, be with the team.”
This isn’t the first time Zinchenko has been forced to take to Instagram to release a statement, either.
Earlier this year, the left-back issued a statement on his own WEDDING DAY admitting new wife Vlada Sedan was wrong to slam Pep Guardiola’s tactics.
Sports reporter Wag Vlada joined Guardiola’s growing number of critics following City’s shock Champions League exit at the hands of Lyon.
Sedan slated Guardiola for ditching his normal back-four to trial a back-three in such an important game.
It also meant hubby Zinchenko was left on the bench for the full 90 minutes.
Vlada Sedan lashed out at Pep Guardiola in August after Man City were dumped out of the Champions LeagueCredit: Instagram @Vlada_Sedan
Speaking on her YouTube channel, Sedan had said: “To put it mildly, and in order not to swear, this is completely Guardiola’s fault.
“At such a crucial moment, making such an experimental tactic for Man City is a bummer.
“I have no right to criticise, but why play three central defenders when the players themselves take their heads.
“I simply have no words, because to have such a line-up… look what players play at Man City, what a bench.
“Literally few clubs in the world can boast such reserves.”
Zinchenko broke off from his wedding day to issue a statement on his and his new wife’s behalf apologising for her reaction to the 3-1 defeat to Lyon.
Zinchenko married sports reporter Vlada Sedan earlier this yearCredit: Instagram @Vlada_Sedan
It read: “Although my wife is a journalist, she is also a fan.
“During the season she was travelling with us for all away and home games because she is a massive City fan.
“In the video you can see her emotions straight after the game and she gave an opinion like all fans do because she wanted us to do better.
“We totally understand now that she shouldn’t post it on social media because she is my wife.
“But she was not trying to make a journalist’s opinion on the manager… she was simply reacting to the disappointment as a fan.
“I’m writing right now from my wedding and instead of enjoying that unbelievable moment I have to do this because I can’t skip it and leave it like that.
“I hope you understand.”
Oleksandr Zinchenko proposed to presenter and model WAG Vlada Sedan – here is why
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
