'Breathtaking moment': Ukrainian footballer 'moved to tears' after what crowd did [Watch]
Ukraine and Benfica forward Roman Yaremchuk was reduced to tears after he was given a standing ovation from Benfica fans on Sunday, during their Primeira Liga match against Vitoria SC.
At first, the Ukrainian striker was not in the playing XI but came on as a substitute in the 62nd-minute and was also handed the captain's armband.
The Benfica supporters applauded him in support of his home nation, which has been attacked by Russia. Benfica went on to win the game by 3-0 at the Estadio da Luz, with Darwin Nunez scoring a winner.
Here’s the video:
🇺🇦 This moment... Speachless! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/EpgNydnZer
— SL Benfica (@slbenfica_en) February 27, 2022
While coming inside the football pitch, Yaremchuk was given the captain's armband by defender Jan Vertonghen in a show of solidarity.
Clearly emotional, the Ukrainian footballer also applauded the entire stadium.
Here's the reactions to the standing ovation received by Yaremchuk:
Ukrainian forward Roman Yaremchuk comes on for Darwin Núñez and is handed the captain’s armband.
— Zach Lowy (@ZachLowy) February 27, 2022
The entire Benfica supporters group gives him a standing ovation, moving Yaremchuk to tears.
Very emotional moment at the Luz. pic.twitter.com/BY8cLPS1Aa
“YAREMCHUK WE STAND WITH YOU” 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/eRXg5PoVFl
— ÁREACHUK SLB (@areaslb) February 27, 2022
The incredible reception that Yaremchuk received from Benfica supporters after coming on the pitch literally moved him to tears.💙 💛 pic.twitter.com/XnBvNxgbTD
— Adrian Sousa (Rabona TV) (@Rabona_TV) February 27, 2022
What an incredibly moving moment just now at the Estádio da Luz, as the crowd gives Roman Yaremchuk 🇺🇦 a standing ovation.
— Benfiquista Americano (@BenfiquistaUm) February 27, 2022
Jan Vertonghen handed over the captain’s armband and the Ukrainian international was brought to tears. #WeStandWithUkraine #Benfica pic.twitter.com/pJ430M6JOY
Ukraine have received support from many footballing nations in Europe with England announcing a boycott of all their international games against Russia. England's decision comes after similar announcements by Poland, Sweden and Czech Republic.
FIFA have also said that Russia would be debarred from organising matches and must play under the banner of "Football Union of Russia" without a flag or playing its national anthem.
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First published: 28 February 2022, 13:11 IST