Wembley unites behind Ukraine ahead of Chelsea vs Liverpool Carabao Cup final

Wembley was united behind Ukraine ahead of the Carabao Cup final between Chelsea and Liverpool.

Both captains, Cesar Azpilicueta and Jordan Henderson, came out onto the pitch with yellow and blue wreaths before players and fans applauded in support of the nation.

The colours on billboards around the stadium were also of Ukraine's flag, after they were invaded by Russia this week.

The screens at Wembley also showed the message 'Football stands together' on a weekend of sport that has been shrouded by the conflict across Europe.

Chelsea had been caught up in the week's events, with Roman Abramovich announcing on Saturday that he would step back from his duties as owner following UK sanctions on Russian business.

"During my nearly 20-year ownership of Chelsea FC, I have always viewed my role as a custodian of the Club, whose job it is ensuring that we are as successful as we can be today, as well as build for the future, while also playing a positive role in our communities," Abramovich said in a statement.

"I have always taken decisions with the Club's best interest at heart. I remain committed to these values. That is why I am today giving trustees of Chelsea's charitable Foundation the stewardship and care of Chelsea FC.

"I believe that currently they are in the best position to look after the interests of the Club, players, staff, and fans."

The Blues then followed with another announcement to say: "The situation in Ukraine is horrific and devastating. Chelsea FC's thoughts are with everyone in Ukraine. Everyone at the club is praying for peace."

Sky Sports pundits Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher both hit out at Abramovich's statement, with Neville saying: "I think when the news came through part way through the Manchester City-Everton game last night, maybe myself and most others that saw that statement thought this sounds like a noble gesture, the right thing to do.

"But, when you then look at who the charity trustees are, Emma Hayes the women's manager, Piara Power who set up Kick It Out, John Devine, it's quite clear that they're not going to be running Chelsea Football Club.

"One of the smartest things that I think Roman Abramovich has done the last 20 years is not speak, not make statements because the statement he made last night left questions then answers.

"In fact, if anything I thought it was to be fair a cowardly approach to sort of throw a hospital pass to good people on the charitable and foundation board when it's quite clear he runs the club with Marina Granovskaia and Petr Cech on the football side."