‘I’m not a coward’ – Dynamo Kyiv manager Mircea Lucescu refuses to leave war-torn city after Russia invade
DYNAMO KYIV boss Mircea Lucescu has insisted that he will not leave Ukraine despite Russia’s invasion.
The Ukrainian top flight’s return has been delayed by 30 days after Russian troops moved in, with martial law being introduced.
Despite the risks involved, Lucescu will NOT return to his home country Romania – because he’s ‘not a coward’.
As cited by Romanian reporter Emanuel Rosu, the 76-year-old manager said: “All sporting activity in Ukraine was suspended for 30 days.
“I will not leave Kyiv to return to Romania, I’m not a coward.
“I hope these big people with no brains will stop this war.
“I never thought this was possible.”
The Ukrainian top flight had been scheduled to return on Friday, following its winter break.
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But action has been paused for a further 30 days following Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Now doubts will be raised over whether Ukraine’s World Cup play-off match against Scotland in Glasgow on March 24 will take place as planned.
Uefa are already set to strip Russia of hosting duties for this year’s Champions League final on May 28.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino will be quizzed on the matter later on Thursday.
Russian president Vladimir Putin has launched all-out war on Ukraine – having sent tanks across the border from Belarus.
Missiles and bombs have been deployed, while explosions have occurred around Ukraine.
Manchester City star Oleksandr Zinchenko took to Instagram to slam Putin.
The Ukrainian, 25, wrote over a picture of the Russian president: “I hope you die the most painful suffering death, creature.”
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