Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the impact of the war on Ukraine's citizens was top of mind for clubs and players during the first weekend of Premier League play since the events unfolded.
In addition to impromptu shows of support, the Premier League's Ukrainian players were given special attention by supporters.
Two of those players, Manchester City fullback Oleksandr Zinchenko and Everton defender Vitaly Mykolenko, happened to be facing each other at Goodison Park.
The two engaged in a heartfelt pregame embrace during warmups before the Everton. vs Manchester City clash.
Man City's Zinchenko & Everton's Mykolenko embrace during the warm-up 🇺🇦 🙏 pic.twitter.com/NjgrQOTlOf
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) February 26, 2022
That was followed by another pregame display that made it clear how the players' teammates and the Goodison Park crowd felt about the war that's taking shape in Eastern Europe in the midst of the ongoing invasion by Russia.
Show of support for Ukraine
World events took centerstage before the Premier League match at Goodison Park kicked off between the Toffees and Citizens.
Both Everton and Manchester City went out of their way to show solidarity with Ukraine at a time of crisis for the nation. Players from Everton walked out on the pitch with Ukraine flags draped around their neck, while the visitors chose to wear shirts bearing the words "no war" ahead of kickoff.
Zinchenko was visibly moved to tears by the support, as the crowd joined in the emotional pregame statement experienced in-stadium.
Manchester City and Everton show their support for Ukraine 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/GOuWNRZm4N
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) February 26, 2022
"He ain't heavy, he's my brother" rings around Goodison Park as both teams show their support for Ukraine 🎶 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/ZNvPiWiRqS
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) February 26, 2022
Fans in the stand could also be seen with banners in the stands reading "We Stand with Ukraine" just before the action commenced at Goodison Park.
English FA permits banners and flags
The English football governing body took the step this week to allow Premier League fans, managers, and players to protest the ongoing invasion of Ukraine in stadiums.
Typically, the English FA prohibits the use of flags and banners in the stands or on the pitch for political statements. But there was an exception made on this weekend in light of the escalation of hostilities in recent days.
The English FA have stated that they will continue to evaluate protests on a case-by-case basis, surely looking out for any that might be deemed to cross the line.
Premier League clubs, players stand with Ukraine
Demonstrations of support were not only present at Everton vs. Man City, as several other instances were broadcast to a global audience in the earlier Saturday kickoffs.
Manchester United and Watford personnel, including all players and Reds manager Ralf Rangnick, stood side by side before kick at Old Trafford, holding a sign which featured the word "peace" in several different languages.
A message from Ralf and the players ❤️ #MUFC pic.twitter.com/mu0ul9GDeE
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 26, 2022
Several fan banners showing the Ukrainian flag were present around the country.
Aston Villa and Poland star Matty Cash received a booking for unveiling a shirt supporting his international teammate Tomasz Kedziora, who is currently on the books at Dynamo Kyiv and unable to leave the capital city due to the situation.
The Premier League and our clubs stand in solidarity with Ukraine 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/E7dFzH2aPq
— Premier League (@premierleague) February 26, 2022
Ukraine Premier League players
The Ukrainian players in the Premier League were the focus of special attention from fellow players, fans and the cameras.
West Ham winger Andriy Yarmolenko was born in Russia to Ukrainian parents before they moved back to Ukraine when he was a child. He is a legend at international level for his country, scoring 44 times in 106 games.
Yarmolenko's manager David Moyes has said that the 32-year-old will be given some time off of club duties owing to the conflict in the region. West Ham is not scheduled to play until Sunday, Feb. 27.
Mykolenko (Everton) and Zinchenko (Man City) are the only other active Ukrainian players in the Premier League. But the English top-flight has been home to several Ukrainian stars over the league's history.
Andriy Shevchenko, Andriy Voronin, Sergei Rebrov and Oleh Luzhnyi are just some of the memorable players from Ukraine to showcase their talents in England in previous years.