Arsenal star Oleksandr Zinchenko calls for Russian and Belarusian athletes to be banned from sports

Oleksandr Zinchenko has called for all athletes from Russia and Belarus to be banned from top tier sports, as the invasion on Ukraine continues.

Russia's invasion of Zinchenko's home country has had a huge effect on sport last year, with Russia being banned from the World Cup, whilst 30 Olympic nations wrote to the IOC over their participation in the Games.

A number of athletes including boxers such as Oleksandr Usyk helped on the front line of the war for Ukraine and European finswimming champion Dmitry Zakharchuk died during the fighting.

Whilst some sports banned Russia many individual sports allowed competitors to carry on, most notably both the ATP and WTA tours in tennis, as well as the grand slam events.

The only exception was Wimbledon, which has now reversed the decision for this summer's tournament, which Zinchenko doesn't agree with.

Speaking to Piers Morgan on TALKTV, the Arsenal defender said that he believes all athletes from Russia and Belarus should face ban.

Morgan opened up the conversation talking about Wimbledon's decision to overturn the ban and asking the former Manchester City star if he agreed.

"I don't agree," Zinchenko answered, "I am one of the Ukrainians who doesn't like to see them in the highest level of any sport."

"They should be banned? And do you think both countries, Russia and Belarus?", Morgan enquired.

"For sure," said the footballer, "100% they shouldn't be allowed. Why? Because how many bombs and rockets are being sent from Belarus? How many?

"Listen I'm not political. I didn't understand anything about it [politics], I don't understand and I would never understand. Because this is not my area.

"But, this is not political."

Morgan interrupted saying: "It's life and death!"

"It is war," the Arsenal star responded, "And they talk about don't put politics in sport. This is not politics this is war."

Wimbledon's decision not to allow players from Russia and Belarus last year resulted in no ranking points being awarded at the showpiece even in the tennis calendar or any of the warm up events in the UK being run by the LTA.

The with LTA fearing they would have to cancel their major events leading up the the slam at SW19 this summer the ban was reversed.

Ian Hewitt, chairman of the All England Club, said: "We continue to condemn totally Russia's illegal invasion and our wholehearted support remains with the people of Ukraine.

"This was an incredibly difficult decision, not taken lightly or without a great deal of consideration for those who will be impacted.

Svitolina refused a handshake with Sabalenka. Image: Alamy

"It is our view that, considering all factors, these are the most appropriate arrangements for The Championships for this year.

"If circumstances change materially between now and the commencement of The Championships, we will consider and respond accordingly."

Players from those countries will have to sign eutral declarations ahead of the tournaments and will not officially be representing Russia or Ukraine.

Tennis' controversy around the competing nations saw issues at the Australian Open when Novak Djokovic's dad was pictured alongside Russian flags at a pro-Putin rally.

At the French Open, Ukrainian Elina Svitolina was booed by fans for refusing to shake hands with Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka after their match.