Liverpool defender Milos Kerkez has been listed as an 'enemy of Ukraine' on a controversial online database following a scuffle during an international match last month. The inclusion of the Hungarian full-back and his father has drawn a formal political response from Budapest, with the country's deputy prime minister condemning the action.
The incident occurred during Hungary's UEFA Nations League match against Ukraine on September 25. A confrontation broke out involving Ukrainian forward Viktor Tsygankov and Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai, after which Kerkez arrived and grabbed Tsygankov by the collar. This on-field altercation is believed to have prompted the 22-year-old's addition to the Myrotvorets database, a non-governmental list that publishes details of individuals it deems hostile to Ukraine.
Hungarian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Anita Orban publicly criticised the move. "I strongly condemn the stigmatisation, any form of blacklisting, and any potential threats directed at Hungarian citizens Milos Kerkez and Balazs Hidveghi," Orban stated. She confirmed she was in constant consultation with Ukrainian government representatives and the Hungarian Football Federation to resolve the situation.
Kerkez, who was born in Serbia, responded to the controversy while on international duty. "Personally, I have never supported and I do not support any aggression in my life," the Liverpool player told Hungarian outlet Telex. "At the same time, there is always tension in a football match, and in the match against Ukraine, all I did was defend our captain, my friend."
The defender missed Hungary's subsequent match against Ukraine due to a suspension for accumulated yellow cards, a caution he picked up in a previous game against Georgia where he scored the winner. He returns to a Liverpool side sitting sixth in the Premier League with nine points from five matches. The team's next challenge is a significant one, hosting league leaders Manchester City at Anfield on October 11.
With the international dispute ongoing, Kerkez's focus will now shift to club duties. Liverpool's recent form shows four wins and a draw from their last five outings, a run they will look to continue. The situation shows how off-pitch events can intersect with a player's club career, even as the team prepares for a key period in the standings.
First reported at Daily Mail Sport
