Arsenal make 'hidden' gesture of support to Ukraine in matchday programme
The name of former Arsenal right back Oleg Luzhny was included in the squad list on the back of the matchday programme for Sunday afternoon's clash with Leicester City
Arsenal have made a 'hidden' gesture of support and solidarity with the people of Ukraine in their latest matchday programme.
The Gunners included a subtle tribute to those affected by the crisis in Ukraine ahead of Sunday's meeting with Leicester City in the Premier League.
Former Arsenal right back Oleg Luzhny's name was included in the squad list on the back of the programme along with his squad number from his time with the club.
Luzhny has returned to his native Ukraine and signed up for the army in order to fight and defend his homeland against the Russian invasion.
Arsenal included Luzhny in Sunday's programme as a way of showing their support and standing in solidarity with Ukraine.
The 53-year-old was listed as the number 22, his old Arsenal squad number, between Nuno Tavares and Albert Sambi Lokonga in the squad list.
Luzhny is the only Ukrainian player to feature for the first team in Arsenal's history, making 109 appearances between 1999 and 2003.
During this period he won a league title in 2002 as well as two FA Cups with the club.
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He also had spells with Dynamo Kyiv and Wolverhampton Wanderers before ending his career in Latvia and going into coaching.
Luzhny recently put his coaching career on hold to return to Ukraine following the Russian invasion and has signed up for the army in order to defend his country.
Arsenal's programme tribute comes just days after the club launched the Arsenal Ukraine Supporters' Club earlier this week.
Fans had called for the formation of the group in order to show additional solidarity with the people of Ukraine, with Arsenal calling on their fans around the world to sign up.
Players from both sides also held up a banner displaying the Ukraine flag and the slogan "Football Stands Together" ahead of kick-off on Sunday.