Oleksandr Zinchenko Reveals He Received Death Threats After Mistake for Ukraine Against Germany

Oleksandr Zinchenko took to social media to voice his disapproval of the reaction to his performance for Ukraine against Germany
Oleksandr Zinchenko took to social media to voice his disapproval of the reaction to his performance for Ukraine against Germany / Soccrates Images/Getty Images
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Manchester City full-back Oleksandr Zinchenko has hit out at those who sent him and his family death threats after playing for Ukraine against Germany on Saturday.

The versatile 23-year-old earned his 35th cap for his nation when Andriy Shevchenko's side travelled to the Red Bull Arena for their Nations League clash with Germany. After Ukraine took a 12th-minute lead, Zinchenko was tackled deep inside Germany's half by Bayern Munich's Leon Goretzka in the build up to the hosts' equalising goal nine minutes later.

Chelsea's Timo Werner added two more goals for Germany either side of half time to send his team top of their Nations League group ahead of their deciding clash with Spain. Zinchenko actually hit the post via a deflected shot in the opening minutes of the second half but, as he highlighted after the match, his night was remembered for his involvement in Germany's first goal.

Zinchenko took to Instagram to voice his disapproval with the widespread reaction to his performance, writing: "Reading all the dirt that poured on me and my family after yesterday's game, once again convinced what kind of people we have and how they can support.

"Fortunately or unfortunately, the demand is already such that it is no longer permissible to make mistakes on someone else's half of the field. For losing the ball on someone else's half of the field, I will repeat, people wish you and your family death.

Zinchenko vying for the ball with Germany's Leroy Sane
Zinchenko vying for the ball with Germany's Leroy Sane / RONNY HARTMANN/Getty Images

"Feeling responsible for losing yourself, I appeal to the adequate fans we unfortunately have few left. The final is waiting for us all, stay with the team."

After a season in and out of Manchester City's first team, having endured a campaign punctuated by injury, Zinchenko has been afforded just 12 minutes of Premier League football so far this term. The natural right-back Joao Cancelo has often taken his place on the domestic stage.