Andriy Yarmolenko was brought to tears during West Ham’s 2-1 win over Aston Villa on Sunday after the Ukrainian scored midway through the second half to break the deadlock.
Yarmolenko, who has been vocal in his opposition to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, turned and shot past goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez during the Premier League clash at London Stadium.
The striker jogged off to celebrate in front of the home fans before falling to his knees and holding his head in his hands. West Ham’s players swiftly surrounded the 32-year-old as he weeped quietly on the pitch.
Once the celebration was over, he applauded the Hammers fans and could be seen wiping tears from his eyes.
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Yarmolenko spoke out against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine at the start of the month, saying on his instagram account: “I’m Andriy Yarmolenko, a Ukrainian national player, I was born in Saint Petersburg but grew up in Ukraine and regard myself as 100 per cent Ukrainian.
“I have a question for Russian players. Guys, why are you sitting like s***heads, and not saying anything? In my country they’re killing people, killing wives, killing mothers, killing our children. But you saying nothing, you’ve given no comments.
“Tell me please, what will happen if all of you together, united, show the people what is really happening in my country. I know a lot of you, I’m familiar with many of you and you all told me “it shouldn’t be like this”, that your president is acting incorrectly.
“So guys, you have influence over the people, show this, I am asking you, please!”
The goal was Yarmolenko’s second of the season and first since the conflict in Ukraine began.
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