Chinese broadcasters will not broadcast the Premier League games this weekend in response to the league's planned support in Ukraine, sources confirmed to ESPN.
The English league leaders announced on Wednesday that a demonstration of solidarity with Ukraine against the background of Russia's invasion of the country will take place in all games from Saturday to Monday.
China is a close political ally of Russia and so the decision was made not to broadcast the games.
"The Premier League and its clubs wholeheartedly reject Russia's actions and will show support for Ukraine's residents at all this weekend's games," the Premier League official statement read, "We call for peace and our thoughts with all those affected."
Among the symbols of support, all 20 team captains will wear special armbands in the colors of Ukraine, and before each game there will be a demonstration of solidarity similar to a minute of silence.
The Premier League has also announced that its logo will be changed to represent the blue and yellow colors of the Ukrainian flag and will be shown on broadcasts in the UK and abroad.
This is not the first time that Chinese broadcasters have prevented coverage of the Premier League.
In 2019, a match between Arsenal and Everton was blocked for broadcast on Chinese central television after then-Arsenal player Mesut Ozil criticized China's attitude towards its Muslim minority.
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