Mikel Arteta backs Arsenal fans as Ukraine gesture planned for Watford clash

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has backed Arsenal's fans amid plans to wear yellow and blue in support of the people of Ukraine.

Supporters of the London club have made the pledge after similar shows of solidarity in stadiums up and down the country, including at Wembley Stadium before last weekend's Carabao Cup final.

More than a week has passed since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with the death toll rising amid shellings and air strikes across the European country and reports emerging of Russian forces seizing the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.

As the Premier League prepares for more shows of support this weekend, either official or unofficial, Arteta was asked about the reports concerning Arsenal fans and gave his backing to the plans.

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"I would support any initiative that is to demonstrate that we have to live in peace," Arteta told the media ahead of Arsenal's trip to face Watford in the Premier League on Sunday.

The latest developments come after a number of Premier League clubs with Ukrainian players have provided more personalised shows of support.

"It's so, so important for me, for the team, for everyone at the club to support [Andriy Yarmolenko]," West Ham United captain Declan Rice said after holding up his teammate's shirt before last week's victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

"We spoke together about it and it's a very difficult time for him, and not only for him but for all of Ukraine" fellow Hammers midfielder Tomas Soucek added.

"Everybody should know what's happening there, and what we did was a little [way to] support."

Manchester City's Oleksandr Zinchenko and Everton's Vitalii Mykolenko embraced on the pitch before their respective sides met in the league last weekend, while Zinchenko - who has 48 Ukraine caps - captained Pep Guardiola's side for their midweek FA Cup win away to Peterborough United.

"Our captain (Fernandinho) decided to give the armband to him, to show how important the situation is," Guardiola said.

"We are all at the club behind this gesture and behind my captain, who represents his country."

However, amid a number of public shows of support for Ukraine, Chinese streaming service iQiyi is set to pull the plug on showing this weekend's English top-flight games.

Yarmolenko himself, meanwhile, has hit out at the silence of Russian footballers while he remains on compassionate leave.

"In my country they're killing people, killing wives, killing mothers, killing our children. But you say nothing. You've given no comments," he said

"Tell me please, what will happen if all of you together, united, show the people what is really happening in my country.

"I know a lot of you, I'm familiar with many of you and you all told me it shouldn't be like this. That your president is acting incorrectly.

"So guys, you have influence over the people. Show this! I am asking you, please!"