How Ukrainians are uniting behind Shakhtar in London
Shakhtar Donetsk will be playing Champions League home games at Stamford Bridge this season. It is a scenario nobody wants ideally, but the UK's Ukrainian community is making the best of a difficult situation.
Artem Genne fondly recalls his first time attending a Shakhtar Donetsk game in 2012, when the club reached the Champions League final. However, that joy was short-lived when the Russian-backed capture of Donetsk occurred two years later, forcing many Ukrainians, including Genne, to flee the city. The club has since played its European games in various locations across Ukraine and Europe, with plans to return to London for home games at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge.
For Genne, who now lives in the West Midlands, attending the matches in London brings a sense of home and hope, as well as support from the local community. Despite the challenges faced by fans in Ukraine due to the Russian invasion, the club's presence in London offers a safe haven and a chance for Ukrainians to come together and support their team.
While the decision to play in London has faced some skepticism due to visa restrictions, it is expected that the club will attract a significant number of supporters from the UK and beyond.
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