Vida apologizes to Russia over Ukraine slogan

Moscow, July 12: Croatia defender Domagoj Vida has apologized to Russia for saying “Glory to Ukraine!” after his country’s World Cup quarter-final win over the hosts last week.

Vida has been in the spotlight ever since he was heard in a video which saying “Glory to Ukraine!”

The slogan became associated with anti-Russian Ukrainian nationalists amid the 2014 political coup in Kiev which brought down the country’s elected president and prompted pro-independence movements in the east of the country as well as Crimea’s decision to reunite with Russia.

During Croatia’s semi-final win against England on Tuesday, Vida was booed and whistled every time he touched the ball at the Luzhniki Stadium.

“I know that I made a mistake. I didn’t do it on purpose. I would like to apologize once again to the Russian nation,” the 29-year-old said.

The Besiktas defender added that his side had a very difficult game against England as the Croats won 2-1 in extra-time.

“There is one more game ahead,” Vida said, promising that the team would play for the people of Croatia and do their best to win. IANS