The World Snooker Championship participant banned the flag of Ukraine

Englishman Jack Lisowski spoke about the bizarre ban introduced by the tournament organizers.

At the World Snooker Championship, one of the participants was banned from wearing the Ukrainian flag. According to the BBC, Englishman Jack Lisowski was born in Cheltenham, but has Ukrainian roots. The athlete’s grandfather was from Ukraine, and in honor of him Lisovsky wore the “blue-yellow” banner.

In all previous tournaments, such a badge of distinction has not raised any questions, however, in Sheffield at the 2022 World Cup, he was rejected.

“Everyone in this room definitely supports Ukraine, so why can’t I wear the flag? It’s something close to my heart. My grandfather is Ukrainian, my father is there. I’m very sad to what is going on there.

I tried to bring the flag to Sheffield. But they told me I had no right if I was not Ukrainian. I had a bit of Ukrainian with me, but it didn’t seem to be enough, so I had to remove the badge on my vest.

I’ve played flag in some tournaments, I wanted to wear it, but they didn’t let me. Tried to get permission. If I beat Robertson, I will wave the flag in the arena! ”Lisowski said.

Organizers of the World Snooker Championship said the sport could not be used as a “political platform”.

– BBC Sport (@BBCSport) April 21, 2022

In turn, organizers said the official reason allegedly was the political overtones carried by the Ukrainian flag.

“As an international sport, we have always maintained a policy of political neutrality and to that end it is our policy not to allow our sport to be used as a political platform at the World Snooker Championship,” World Snooker said. Tour in a statement.

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