How the United Kingdom denying the entry to a Russian footballer led to India vs England Cricket Debate on social networks – Firstpost

The United Kingdom’s decision to deny the entrance to Russian football Arsen Zakharyan before the Real Sociedad Europa League conflict against Manchester United started an unexpected debate. Social media users, in particular India, have made comparisons between this visa line and past criticisms intended for India’s refusal to go to Pakistan for the CPI 2025 champions trophy.

Zakharyan, who missed most of the season due to an injury, was to go back to the action during the 16 legs of Real Sociedad against Manchester United on Friday. However, according to reports El Diario VascoThe Russian midfielder was arrested at Madrid airport due to visa problems and was not allowed to board the flight to Manchester.

His teammate Hamari Traore was also faced with similar problems but managed to obtain authorization Thursday morning, one day before the match. Zakharyan, however, could not get the visa in time, forcing it to withdraw entirely from the team and return to Madrid. Real Sociedad officials did everything possible to resolve the issue, but their attempts failed. United finally won the 4-1 game.

Social media call “the hypocrisy” of the British media

While the news of Zakharyan’s visa problems spread, many users on social networks began to question the position of the United Kingdom, in particular compared to the way in which British media and Cricket experts criticized India for refusing to go to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.

“These British give lectures to India when the Indian Cricket team could not go to Pakistan,” said a user.

Another wrote: “And then the British say why India is not playing in Pakistan.”

Some users have directly labeled the former England captain Michael Vaughan, who has often expressed the decisions of India concerning the game in Pakistan, questioning him about “hypocrisy” in the situation.

A user stressed: “British media and experts interviewed India when the Indian Cricket team did not trace in Pakistan due to terrorism. But the United Kingdom will themselves refuse a visa for a single football player. Hypocrisy of the British media in full exhibition. ”

India has played all its champions trophy matches in Dubai and won the title by beating New Zealand in the final at the same place.

The context of India vs Pakistan explained

The reference to the India-Pakistan cricket stems from the longtime refusal of India to play bilateral series against Pakistan due to security problems. While India and Pakistan compete in ICC tournaments and the Asian Cup events (held in neutral sites), the Cricket Control Council in India (BCCI) cited security threats as the main reason for not going to Pakistan.