Ukrainian football giants Dynamo Kyiv are facing a furious backlash from their own supporters after the controversial signing of defender Oleksandr Svatok, The Guardian can reveal.
The club's decision to recruit the 29-year-old has ignited outrage among the loyal fanbase, who have discovered the player previously shared social media content from a notorious Russian propagandist.
Petition Demands Immediate Action
Outraged supporters have launched an online petition demanding the immediate termination of Svatok's contract, which has already gathered significant momentum. The document states the signing shows "blatant disrespect" to the club's values and those who have defended Ukraine.
"At a time when Ukraine is fighting for its very existence against Russian aggression," the petition reads, "this appointment is not just insensitive - it's a betrayal of everything our club should represent."
Questionable Social Media Activity
The controversy centres on Svatok's past sharing of content from Anton Krasovsky, a former Russian state TV presenter known for extreme anti-Ukrainian rhetoric. Krasovsky has previously made shocking statements that prompted international condemnation and cost him his position at RT.
While Svatok has since apologised, claiming he didn't properly check the content before sharing, many fans remain unconvinced. The timing of the signing, during Ukraine's ongoing struggle against Russian invasion, has amplified the anger.
Historical Tensions Surface
This isn't the first time Dynamo Kyiv has faced criticism over political sensitivities. The club previously signed Brazilian player Vitão, who had expressed support for Russia's annexation of Crimea, though he later retracted those comments.
The current controversy highlights the intense feelings surrounding the war and how they permeate all aspects of Ukrainian life, including sport. Football clubs have become important symbols of national resistance, making such signings particularly contentious.
What Happens Next?
Dynamo Kyiv management now face a difficult decision. With fan sentiment running high and the petition gaining thousands of signatures, the club must weigh footballing considerations against moral and patriotic concerns.
The coming days will reveal whether the club backs their new signing or yields to supporter pressure in a nation where football and national identity have become profoundly intertwined during wartime.
