'It's not fair', Antonio Conte expresses sympathy for banned Russian athletes
- Planet Sport writer
- 11 March 2022
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has resulted in a number of athletes being banned from competing, a decision Tottenham boss Antonio Conte has labelled "unfair".
With Vladamir Putin's invasion of Ukraine still continuing, Russia has faced heavy sanctions from across the world.
Most recently, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich was hit with sanctions due to his close relations with Putin, complicating any possible sale of the club.
But bans and sanctions have been felt all across the sporting world, with a majority of Russian athletes banned from competing due to their country's agression.
Paralympic athletes were banned from competing, Russia's national football team has been thrown out of the World Cup play-offs, tennis world No.1 Daniil Medvedev has been forced to compete under a neutral banner and former F1 star Nikita Mazepin lost his seat at Haas.
It's a sad price paid by individuals not necessarily supporting the war on Ukraine, and Tottenham manager Antonio Conte has shown sympathy for athletes who have seen their hard work ruined.
🗣 "I hope the best, for this club."
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 10, 2022
Antonio Conte says he feels sorry for Thomas Tuchel after Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned by the UK government.pic.twitter.com/JawEVotGQd
Ahead of Tottenham's Premier League clash with Manchester United, the Italian coach said:
"I repeat, it's very sad that this serious situation, this war between Russia and Ukraine, is affecting football and the sporting [world]," he said.
"To know that Russia athletes are banned from competition is very sad. I think it's not fair. I know very well the work that they do every day for this competition.
"You have to pay for this situation, I think it's not right. Honestly, I hoped the situation is going to be solved, because it's creating a lot of damage. We're in 2022 and to see this is horrible for everybody."
With Chelsea now facing economic crisis following Roman Abramovich's sanctions, Conte also commented on the situation of his former club.
"We are talking about four or five years ago. At the time, Chelsea, also now, we're talking about a fantastic club.
"With an owner that made this club big. Don't forget that in the period he was the owner, Chelsea won everything. But it was for Chelsea.
"I think also we have seen other Russia owners in other teams. Not only in football but in many sports."
