Four days since the outbreak of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the first sporting incident occurred last night (Sunday) between the two countries.
The two teams competed in the World Cup fencing competition in the spear model, held in Cairo, Egypt, and were supposed to meet against each other in the round of 16, but the blue-and-yellow fencers refused to come up and face Russia.
The sport
and the war Ukraine's fiery machine gun was blown to confront Russia in the trial of the World Cup in Cairo.
Negli ottavi di finale (fioretto a squadre) gli ucraini decidono di non gareggiare contro i russi e si ritirano: "Stop the war" #RussiaUkraine pic.twitter.com/PO9lQtG187
- Lia Capizzi (@LiaCapizzi) February 27, 2022
In response, the Ukrainian fencers stood in front of the Russians, informing the judges that they were not ready to face the opponent, while on the side stood members of the delegation waving signs in English that read "Stop the war! Save Ukraine", another sign read: "Stop Russia, stop The war! "
The small crowd present in the hall (because of the corona restrictions still here for those who forgot), applauded the move while the Ukrainian athletes and coach, packed their gear and left the venue, clapping back to thank the crowd.
By the way, the Russian team continued to compete and it won the silver medal, after being stopped in the final against the United States team.
Ukraine's favorite mascot squad will leave Cairo's pedals, retire daily before the finals of the World Cup (if it refuses to face Russia) and expose the cartel:
Stop Russia!
Stop the war!
Save Ukraine!
Save Europe! #RussiaUkraine pic.twitter.com/0oGdb8b5aF
- Lia Capizzi (@LiaCapizzi) February 27, 2022
As mentioned, this is the first sporting incident head-to-head between the countries, when since the start of the fighting, many sporting events have been canceled in Russia and Belarus and athletes from these countries who stood on the podium in various competitions, did not hear the national anthem.
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