How UK denying entry to a Russian footballer led to India vs England cricket debate on social media

The UK’s resolution to disclaim entry to Russian footballer Arsen Zakharyan forward of Actual Sociedad’s Europa League conflict in opposition to Manchester United has sparked an sudden debate. Social media customers, notably from India, have drawn comparisons between this visa row and previous criticisms directed at India’s refusal to journey to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Zakharyan, who has missed many of the season as a consequence of damage, was set to return to motion in Actual Sociedad’s Spherical of 16 second-leg match in opposition to Manchester United on Friday. Nonetheless, as per stories from El Diario Vasco, the Russian midfielder was stopped at Madrid’s airport as a consequence of visa points and was not allowed to board the flight to Manchester.

His teammate Hamari Traore additionally confronted related points however managed to get clearance on Thursday morning, a day earlier than the match. Zakharyan, nonetheless, was unable to safe the visa in time, forcing him to withdraw from the squad fully and return to Madrid. Actual Sociedad officers made each effort to resolve the matter, however their makes an attempt had been unsuccessful. United finally gained the match 4-1.

Social media calls out British media’s ‘hypocrisy’

As information of Zakharyan’s visa troubles unfold, many customers on social media started questioning the UK’s stance, notably compared to how the British media and cricket pundits have criticised India for refusing to journey to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.

“These British give lectures to India when the Indian cricket crew couldn’t journey to Pakistan,” one person commented.

One other wrote, “After which Brits say why India shouldn’t be enjoying in Pakistan.”

Some customers straight tagged former England captain Michael Vaughan, who has usually been vocal about India’s choices concerning enjoying in Pakistan, questioning him concerning the “hypocrisy” within the state of affairs.

One person identified, “UK media and pundits questioned India when the Indian cricket crew didn’t journey to Pakistan as a consequence of terrorism. However UK will themselves deny a visa for a single soccer participant. Hypocrisy of UK media on full show.”

India performed all its Champions Trophy matches in Dubai and went on to win the title by defeating New Zealand within the last on the similar venue.

India vs Pakistan context defined

The reference to India-Pakistan cricket stems from India’s long-standing refusal to play bilateral sequence in opposition to Pakistan as a consequence of safety considerations. Whereas India and Pakistan face one another in ICC tournaments and Asia Cup occasions (held at impartial venues), the Board of Management for Cricket in India (BCCI) has cited safety threats as the first cause for not touring to Pakistan.