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Turkish footballer Demir explains why he refused to wear ‘No To War’ shirt after calls for him to be banned

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A TURKISH footballer has explained why he refused to wear a ‘No To War’ shirt amid Russia’s invasion on neighbours Ukraine.

Erzurumspor’s Akyut Demir refused to wear the anti-war shirt ahead of the 1-0 home loss to Ankaragucu.

Russian tanks are now deep into the heart of UkraineCredit: AFP
Russia is continuing with it’s invasion of UkraineCredit: AFP
Demir was captain on Sunday but refused to join his team-mates in wearing the supportive shirtCredit: TFF First League

Demir, who was captain in Sunday’s second division fixture, was the only player on his team not to wear the shirt.

And the 33-year-old’s decision has infuriated fans, with some even calling for him to be suspended by Erzrumspor.

Demir has since come out and explained his choice not to wear the shirt, pointing towards the deaths of innocent people in the Middle East.

Speaking to Football Anatolia, via Fanatik, Demir explained: “Thousands of people die every day in the Middle East.

“I feel sad too. I share the pain of innocent people.

“Those who ignore the persecution there are doing these things when it comes to Europe.

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“I did not like to wear the T-shirt because it was not made for those countries.”

Sports across Europe have shown their support for Ukraine.

International football governing body Fifa have suspended Russia ahead of their World Cup 2022 play-off against Poland.

Uefa have also taken action at club football level and they have kicked Spartak Moscow OUT of the Europa League.

Formula One’s governing body, the FIA, are holding a meeting on Tuesday with Haas Russian driver Nikita Mazepin bound to be a topic of conversation.

The president of the Automobile Federation of Ukraine, Leonid Kostyuchenk, has demanded that Russian and Belarusian drivers are banned from competing outside of their own countries.

And Mazepin – son of billionaire oligarch Dmitry who has ties with Russian president Vladimir Putin – could find himself banned from the sport.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk

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