Milos Kerkez issues statement after Liverpool star added to controversial 'enemies of Ukraine' database
Milos Kerkez has released a statement after both he and his father appeared on a database listing them as 'enemies of Ukraine'.
Hungary defender Kerkez has found himself in political bother following an incident with Ukraine's Victor Tsygankov during a Nations League Group F clash.
During the match, the Liverpool star grabbed Tsygankov by the collar, prompting a controversial social media post by his father that has led to both Kerkez and his dad being included on Myrotvorets, a database 'enemies of Ukraine' including photos and personal details.
Millos Kerkez labelled 'enemy of Ukraine' following Nations League controversy
Given Northern Ireland's spectacular campaign that sees them topping the group and the only side in the Nations League yet to concede a goal, tensions are high for Hungary if they want to remain in contention to top Group F.
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In their opening fixture, Hungary got off to a nightmare start as a 1-0 loss to Ukraine at home put them firmly on the back foot in the battle to top the group, a fact that clearly wasn't lost on Kerkez and Liverpool team-mate Dominik Szoboszlai during their on-pitch clash with Ukraine's Tsygankov.
After Tsygankov began arguing with Hungary captain Szoboszlai, Kerkez immediately ran over and grabbed the Ukraine midfielder, prompting some anger online.
However, this anger flared up even more when Kerkez's father, Sebastijan, reportedly shared a photo of moment to his Instagram story with the song Russian Paradise by rapper AK-47, seemingly referencing the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
In response to this post, both the Liverpool defender and has dad have been included on Myrotvorets, a database that lists all 'enemies of Ukraine'.
The list, which is not run by or affiliated with the Ukrainian government, also includes Hungarian MP Balazs Hidveghi, who said it was a disgrace that the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs had not stood up for Kerkez and his father.
Responding to the criticism, Hungarian deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs Anita Orban released a statement on social media condemning the backlash that both Kerkez and Hidveghi have faced.
She wrote: "I strongly condemn the stigmatisation, any form of blacklisting, and any potential threats directed at Hungarian citizens Milos Kerkez and Balazs Hidveghi.
"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."
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Milos Kerkez releases statement after being listed as an 'enemy of Ukraine'
For the reverse fixture on Monday night, which was played in Slovakia due to the ongoing war, Kerkez wasn't included in squad due to suspension.
However, the Liverpool defender spoke out about the situation and backlash following his clash with Tsygankov during their Nations League opener last month.
"Personally, I have never supported and I do not support any aggression in my life,' he told Hungarian outlet Telex.
"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."
Hungary currently sit second in Group F with seven points, just one less than Northern Ireland, who the welcome to the Puskas Arena in their final Nations League match on November 17, with an away trip to play Georgia three days prior.
Meanwhile Ukraine are third in the group with four points and will play Nortnern Ireland in Belfast on November 14 before playing Georgia in Slovakia for their final match also on November 17.
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Topics: Football News, Liverpool, Football, UEFA Nations League
Ben McCrum