Source:
https://scmp.com/sport/football/article/3169346/manchester-derby-axed-chinese-fans-broadcaster-blackouts-premier
Sport/ Football

Manchester derby axed for Chinese fans as broadcaster blackouts Premier League matches over support for Ukraine

  • Football fans in mainland China will miss one of the games of the season this weekend
  • Title-chasing Manchester City host Manchester United, while Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal are all in action
A screen shows support for Ukraine before the English Premier League soccer match between Everton and Manchester City at Goodison Park. Photo: AP

Manchester United and league leaders Manchester City clash in one of the biggest games of the English Premier League season on Sunday, but fans in mainland China will not be able to watch it or any other matches this weekend.

Chinese rights holders have told the league they will not broadcast matches because of its planned show of support for Ukraine following Russia’s invasion, the BBC said.

China is a close political ally of Russia, which calls its actions in Ukraine a “special operation”.

Manchester City and Manchester United clash at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Photo: Reuters
Manchester City and Manchester United clash at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Photo: Reuters

Earlier this week, the Premier League said teams would show their support for Ukraine at games, with all 20 captains wearing special armbands in Ukrainian colours.

Fans are also being encouraged to join players, managers, match officials and club staff in a moment of reflection and solidarity before kick-off at each game.

The screens at stadiums will display “Football Stands Together” against the backdrop of the blue and yellow colours of the Ukrainian flag.

Richard Masters, the league’s chief executive, said that with teams demonstrating their support for Ukraine, he would “like the Russian people to see the strength of feeling in the Premier League and in English football this weekend”.

In 2019 China’s state broadcaster CCTV removed an Arsenal-Manchester City game from its schedule after comments made by then-Gunners midfielder Mesut Ozil.

Ozil had posted on social media about the treatment of Uighur Muslims in China.

This weekend could prove to be a pivotal one in the title race, with Liverpool at home to West Ham United on Saturday. Jurgen Klopp’s side are six points behind City, but have a game in hand, and United could yet play a role in who wins the league this season.