How UK denying entry to a Russian footballer led to India vs England cricket debate on social media

The UK denied entry to Russian footballer Arsen Zakharyan for Real Sociedad’s Europa League match against Manchester United, sparking a debate on social media. Indian fans called out the British media’s “hypocrisy,” drawing comparisons to India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025. read more

The UK’s decision to deny entry to Russian footballer Arsen Zakharyan ahead of Real Sociedad’s Europa League clash against Manchester United has sparked an unexpected debate. Social media users, particularly from India, have drawn comparisons between this visa row and past criticisms directed at India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Zakharyan, who has missed most of the season due to injury, was set to return to action in Real Sociedad’s Round of 16 second-leg match against Manchester United on Friday. However, as per reports from El Diario Vasco, the Russian midfielder was stopped at Madrid’s airport due to visa issues and was not allowed to board the flight to Manchester.

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His teammate Hamari Traore also faced similar issues but managed to get clearance on Thursday morning, a day before the match. Zakharyan, however, was unable to secure the visa in time, forcing him to withdraw from the squad entirely and return to Madrid. Real Sociedad officials made every effort to resolve the matter, but their attempts were unsuccessful. United eventually won the match 4-1.

Social media calls out British media’s ‘hypocrisy’

As news of Zakharyan’s visa troubles spread, many users on social media began questioning the UK’s stance, particularly in comparison to how the British media and cricket pundits have criticised India for refusing to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.

“These British give lectures to India when the Indian cricket team could not travel to Pakistan,” one user commented.

Another wrote, “And then Brits say why India is not playing in Pakistan.”

Some users directly tagged former England captain Michael Vaughan, who has often been vocal about India’s decisions regarding playing in Pakistan, questioning him about the “hypocrisy” in the situation.

One user pointed out, “UK media and pundits questioned India when the Indian cricket team didn’t travel to Pakistan due to terrorism. But UK will themselves deny a visa for a single football player. Hypocrisy of UK media on full display.”

India played all its Champions Trophy matches in Dubai and went on to win the title by defeating New Zealand in the final at the same venue.

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India vs Pakistan context explained

The reference to India-Pakistan cricket stems from India’s long-standing refusal to play bilateral series against Pakistan due to security concerns. While India and Pakistan face each other in ICC tournaments and Asia Cup events (held at neutral venues), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has cited security threats as the primary reason for not traveling to Pakistan.

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