Hungary's deputy prime minister, Anita Orban, has condemned Milos Kerkez being added to an 'enemies of Ukraine' list. Liverpool's left-back is categorised as a "provocateur" within the online database of Myrotvorets, a non-governmental organisation (NGO).
Allegations and Incident
The website alleges "participation in acts of humanitarian aggression against Ukraine" and "support for Russian aggression and murders of Ukrainian citizens by Russian-fascist invaders." Myrotvorets describes itself as a centre for "the study of signs of crimes against the national security of Ukraine, peace, humanity, and the international law and order."
Their reasons for including Kerkez are from the Nations League match between Hungary and Ukraine in Budapest last month. In the game, the left-back grabbed opposition player Victor Tsygankov by his shirt collar after he confronted Dominik Szoboszlai.
Kerkez's Response
On that incident, Kerkez has told Hungarian news outlet Telex: "Personally, I have never supported, and I do not support any aggression in my life. I am not a person who considers anything that harms others acceptable."
"At the same time, there is always tension in a football match, and in the match against Ukraine, all I did was defend our captain, my friend, and I would have done this even if any other country had been our opponent."
However, that does not address what happened after the match. His father, Sebastian Zahn Kerkez, shared a photo of the scuffle on his Instagram Story. The post included audio from a song titled "Russian Paradise" by the rap group AK-47. As a result, he is also on the list.
Father Also Listed
Kerkez's father is also called a "provocateur." He is accused of "propaganda of Russian fascism and Nazism" as well as "public support for Russian aggression and the murder of Ukrainian citizens."
His son did not play in the reverse fixture on Monday, which Hungary won 2-1 in Trnava, Slovakia. However, that was due to suspension for yellow-card accumulation rather than being a conscious selection decision by their head coach Marco Rossi in response to the fallout.
Official Condemnation
In a Facebook post, Orban said: "I strongly condemn the stigmatisation, any form of blacklisting, and any potential threats directed at Hungarian citizens, Milos Kerkez and Balazs Hidveghi." The latter is a Hungarian member of parliament who also features on Myrotvorets.
"Throughout the weekend, alongside the government meeting, I was in constant consultation with Ukrainian government representatives, the Hungarian Football Federation (MLSZ), the embassy, and my colleagues to ensure that all parties involved took action within their respective spheres to resolve the situation."
"Sport should be about performance, community, and respect. I thank the two national associations for their cooperation."
