The pre-match routine was introduced in 2019
Everton are set to remove their usual pre-match air raid siren when they face Manchester City at the weekend following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Toffees face-off against Pep Guardiola’s side on Saturday, but the Merseyside outfit will reportedly suspend their pre-match routine at Goodison Park.
Air raid sirens could be heard in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv on Thursday after Russia’s President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion on Ukraine.
As reported by the Daily Mail, Everton’s pre-match routine was introduced in 2019 with former boxer and Blues fan Tony Bellew’s ring-walk version of Z Cars played, which includes the air raid siren before the drums come in.
The tune was played for the first time prior to Everton’s goals draw with Liverpool almost three years ago.
As requested by supporters, Everton considering scrapping Z-Cars siren for PL clash with Man City at Goodison in show of respect to Ukraine, Vitalii Mykolenko & Oleksandr Zinchenko. Toffees offering their left-back additional support. Frank Lampard due to speak at 1:30pm. #EFC
— Ryan Taylor (@RyanTaylorSport) February 25, 2022
While there will be no air raid siren at the match on Saturday evening, protests against the Russian invasion are expected across stadiums in the United Kingdom, with Ukraine flags set to be displayed in a show of solidarity.
It comes after Premier League players, managers and fans were told they will be allowed to protest against the Russian invasion.
Everton are also expected to display a banner in support of Ukrainian defender Mykolenko and the country in general.
Elsewhere, the 2022 Champions League final was moved from Russia to Paris after UEFA voted to change the venue as punishment for the ongoing situation.
The final will now take place at the Stade de France, Paris, which will be the first time France has hosted the final since 2006.
UEFA said it “wishes to express its thanks and appreciation to French Republic President Emmanuel Macron for his personal support and commitment to have European club football’s most prestigious game”.
Related links:
- Formula 1 urged to drop driver whose father is ally of Vladimir Putin
- Klitschko brothers to take up arms to defend Ukraine from Russian invasion
- Zenit drop Ukrainian defender Yaroslav Rakitskiy for speaking out against Russian invasion
