Russia captain Artem Dzyuba fires back at Everton star with "sit on their ass" rant

Russia forward Artem Dzyuba launched a fiery rant on Instagram where he slammed those with "double standards" before hitting back at Everton's Vitaliy Mykolenko for “sitting on his ass”

Russia captain Artem Dzyuba appeared to hit back at Vitaliy Mykolenko in a fiery rant on social media.

Dzyuba took to Instagram to post a lengthy caption where he claimed he is against war, but went on to accuse people of having double standards in their “anger” and “insults” towards Russians.

The 33-year-old appeared to especially target Everton left-back Mykolenko after the Ukrainian took to Instagram to call Dzyuba a “b****” over his silence following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

And Dzyuba did not hold back as he in turn accused some Ukrainians of “sitting on his ass” in their "English mansions" while saying “nasty things.”

Dzyuba fumed: “Until recently, I did not want to speak on the topic of events in Ukraine. I didn’t want to, not because I’m afraid, but because I’m not an expert in politics, I never got into it and didn’t intend to (unlike a large number of political scientists and virologists who have recently appeared on the Internet).

“But like everyone else, I have my own opinion. Since I am being drawn to this topic from all sides, I will express it.

“I am against any war. War is scary. But I am also against human aggression and hatred, which every day acquires some transcendent proportions.

“I am against discrimination based on nationality. I'm not ashamed that I'm Russian. I am proud to be Russian. And I don’t understand why athletes should suffer now.”

Dzyuba’s rant comes after Russian athletes and teams have been pulled from various competitions across different sports.

The measure, along with heavy sanctions, is designed to put pressure on the Putin regime and has had a clear impact on ordinary Russians, including sportspeople.

Dzyuba added: “I am against double standards. Why one can do everything, but all the dogs are hanged on us. Why is everyone always shouting about sports outside of politics, but at the first opportunity, when it comes to Russia, this principle is completely forgotten?

“Again, war is scary. In stressful situations, people show their essence, sometimes negative. How much anger, dirt and bile has now poured out on all Russian people, regardless of their position and profession. Those thousands of people who write insults and threats - get in line!

“It is doubly strange to hear all this from people to whom Russia has given very, very much in their lives. All this only creates more negativity.

“The war will end, but human relations will remain. And it will be impossible to rewind. Remember this.

“P.S. And to some colleagues who sit on their ass in mansions in England and say nasty things: this cannot offend us, we understand everything! Peace and goodness to all!”