TENNIS star Sergiy Stakhovsky has told Antonio Conte to “wake up” after the Tottenham boss sympathised with Russian athletes.
The Italian said it was “sad” and “unfair” that some Russians were banned from competing in sport – such as the Men’s national football team who were bidding to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.
And despite Conte also sharing his sympathy for the Ukranian people, Stakhovsky has accused him of not understanding the situation regarding Russia’s invasion.
Stakhovsky is helping to defend his own country by assisting the military on the front lines of the battle.
He took to Instagram to criticise Conte’s words in a direct message to the Spurs manager.
Stakhovsky wrote: “I am not sure you understand the situation in Ukraine.
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“Otherwise, I cannot imagine you would make a comment which would sound like you are sad about Russian athletes and businessmen.
“Millions of Ukrainians had to flee their homes because of the Russian invasion. Millions have to leave [sic] through hell in their own cities while Russian planes and artillery bombard them.
“Please wake up. Russians will have to carry collective guilt for the destruction and killings they are committing in Ukraine.”
Stakhovsky also sent a stern message to Russia captain and Zenit Saint Petersburg striker Artem Dzyuba, who has rejected a call up to the national team after failing to condemn the war previously.
The Tennis ace wrote: “So Dzyuba, you are against war?
“Your strong moral principles the world already saw not long ago on all social media outlets.
“So when you try to educate about morals and what will be in the future, I feel like I am in a stand-up show which is not funny.
“You personally benefitted from your government, you personally supported (Vladimir) Putin and now you and your mates carry the consequences…enjoy.”
Stakhovsky is one of several Ukrainian sports stars to help in the fight against Russia.
Boxers Oleksandr Usyk and Vasiliy Lomachenko have joined the Territorial Army along with Oleg Luzhny, a former Arsenal defender.
Tragically, two footballers and a skier have died as a result of the invasion.
