Well-known Ukrainian referee Vitaliy Romanov spoke about how relevant the issue of the Russian language is in Ukrainian football.
Vitaliy Romanov— All I want to say is that right now we, as a nation, are addressing existential questions. And, fortunately or perhaps unfortunately, we have no choice but to communicate in our state language. So what Nastya has done, what everyone else is doing, and the Football Federation as well — no matter how difficult it may be for us, we, and I am speaking for myself now, are trying to speak Ukrainian.
Yes, we received an official letter from the Referees Committee signed by the ombudsman, which stated that no other language except the official one can be used on the football field. And I certainly see the desire of all clubs to communicate in the state language. Everyone is trying. I know it’s not easy, but they are making an effort — and I see that.
I know from personal experience: in moments of emotional outbursts or force majeure situations, the language you spoke in childhood always resurfaces. For most of us, unfortunately, that is Russian. You understand, if I spoke the language of country 404 for 40 years, it is very difficult for me. But I am trying and doing my best to speak Ukrainian, — said Romanov in an interview with «TaToTake».
