Gloucester remove Russian flag off player’s jersey after social media outrage

Gloucester have confirmed they will remove the Russian flag displayed on prop Kirill Gotovtsev's jersey because of the criticism they received on social media, and will also take the flags off all the other jerseys for their upcoming match against the Scarlets.

After making his debut in 2015, the 37-year-old prop has earned 19 Test caps for Russia up until the point when World Rugby imposed sanctions on the nation in 2022.

There's talk surrounding the change, as Gloucester Rugby have been considering removing flags from their jersey sleeves due to a landmark ruling. A new regulation, set to come into force in 2022, forbids players from displaying national colours on their sleeves.

Rugby is well aware of the considerable attention on social media regarding the appearance of Kirill Gotovtsev's national flag emblazoned on his home shirt during the Premiership match against Sale on Saturday.

We completely support World Rugby's 2022 decision regarding the conflict in Ukraine. Kirill fully complied with the conditions set by World Rugby and DCMS back then, and he still continues to do so.

Shirts with the players' numbers are worn as has been the case since 2015.

“Kirill's national flag will not be displayed on his shirt. We understand the connotations of the relevant flag and apologise for any distress this may have caused.”

“Finally, the Club is aware of the ongoing commentary on this issue and would like to express its strongest condemnation of all forms of racism, and anyone expressing such views will not be welcomed at Kingsholm.”

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“For the sake of clarity, in line with games across Europe this season, the flags will not be featured on the shirts this weekend.”

“Gloucester Rugby will make no further statement.”

The Cherry and Whites are now focusing their attention on a crucial Challenge Cup match-up with the Scarlets.

However, they are getting stronger heading into the match, having triumphed in three of their last five games across all competitions, including a convincing 36-20 win over Sale Sharks last weekend.

Gloucester currently sit fifth in Pool Three of the Challenge Cup, but are two points adrift from Edinburgh, the Scarlets and Vannes – all of whom have six points on the board.

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