A Shakhtar Donetsk Coach Has Been Killed By A Russian Shell, Club Release Statement

A youth coach at Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk has been killed by a Russian shell, with the club releasing a statement.

General director Serhyi Palkin confirmed the news as Russia's military assault on neighbouring Ukraine continues.

The coach has not been named and Palkin called for Russia to 'stop the madness' before more people are killed.

"One of our employees was killed yesterday. Kids coach," a statement reads.

"He was killed by a fragment of a Russian shell. Russia, you are killing Ukrainians. Stop this madness! Don't be silent, speak up!"

Shakhtar are one of the most successful clubs in Ukraine and have won 13 league titles as well as the UEFA Cup.

They are based in the capital city of Kyiv and are top of the Ukrainian Premier League by two points.

Russia's invasion has seen the league suspended for at least a month and a number of players are currently stranded in the country.

Brazilian players from Shakhtar and Dynamo Kyiv gathered in a hotel last week as they looked to leave.

In total, there are 12 Brazilian players in the Shakhtar squad, including former Ajax winger David Neres, who moved in January.

Dodo, Vitao, Marlon, Ismaily, Vinicius Tobias and Maycon play in Roberto De Zerbi's squad alongside Marcos Antonio, Tete, Alan Patrick, Pedrinho and Fernando.

Ukraine were set to face Scotland in a World Cup play-off match later this month but that appears to be in doubt at the time of writing.

Palkin released a statement last week and he repeated that Ukraine will remain a sovereign state.

It reads: "I have gone through many bright moments with Shakhtar, but for me personally the biggest victory in my life will be the victory in this war for Ukraine's independence.

Jogadores brasileiros do Shakhtar e do Dínamo estão reunidos com as famílias em um hotel de Kiev. Acabaram de gravar esse vídeo pedindo ajuda das autoridades brasileiras para deixar o país. pic.twitter.com/7ah1RuKGo2

— Arthur Quezada (@ArthurQuezada) February 24, 2022

"Regarding the situation in the club. I am in Kyiv. Most of the players and coaches with their families are in Kyiv.

"We are trying to find ways to evacuate our foreigners and their families... employees of the club - at home, in bomb shelters, basements, in the subway. Where it is safer."

A number of sports have taken sanctions against Russia in recent days.

It was announced on Thursday that Formula One had terminated its contract with the Russian Grand Prix, while all Russian teams are banned from FIFA and UEFA competition.

Game publisher EA Sports have also started to remove Russian teams from FIFA 22.