Andriy Yarmolenko

Andriy Yarmolenko was a Ukrainian professional footballer who played as a winger or forward for English Premier League club West Ham United and the Ukraine national team.

Yarmolenko was a full international for Ukraine since 2009, scoring 37 goals in 83 matches and playing at UEFA Euro 2012 and Euro 2016.

Death
During a Premier League match on the 7th of November 2019 against Burnley, Yarmolenko and Felipe Anderson engaged in a brawl after tensions had brewed between the two over the recent events, particularly a terrorist attack in Kiev. The press reported that relations had soured between the two footballers following reports of UN peacekeeper atrocities and the bombing in Kiev. Both players have been suspended from playing until January. The Head Coach of West Ham, Manuel Pellegrini stated that: “It is an unfortunate event. It is a shame that we cannot enjoy the beautiful game without being interrupted by world issues.” Both Anderson and Yarmolenko were suspended until January.

A week later on the 14th of November, Yarmolenko was found dead in his London apartment. Following an extensive police investigation it was concluded that Yarmolenko had been poisoned. The British police’s investigation into the murder of Ukrainian footballer Andriy Yarmolenko lead to a small cell of Brazilian ultra-nationalists located across the world, that operate using the online forum group called 4Chan. Around 4 were arrested. It was believed that they broke into his home, poisoning several drinks and then hastily leaving. Yarmolenko was murdered after taking a very strong poison. The Ukrainian Football Association and the English Football Association will both have a minutes silence before their fixtures this Saturday. Many players and fans have come out to make tribute to the late Yarmolenko, however some Brazilian football fans have rejoiced at his death. Many Brazilian fans and players have stepped out to condemn these actions in defence of the late Yarmolenko.

Legacy
Yarmolenko's death sent shockwaves throughout the political and footballing world. These were felt most in Brazil and Ukraine where tensions were especially high.

In Kiev, a statue was raised in Yarmolenko's honour.