Liverpool left-back Milos Kerkez and his father have been added to the Myrotvorets database

Liverpool left-back Milos Kerkez and his father have been added to the Myrotvorets database labelling them enemies of Ukraine following a Nations League match in Budapest, prompting a sharp diplomatic intervention from Hungary’s foreign ministry and public denials from the 22-year-old defender.

Kerkez sprinted toward the dispute and grabbed Tsygankov by the collar, sparking an on-field flashpoint that quickly spilled over into digital channels.

Father’s Post Puts Kerkez on Database

The situation escalated after the match when the player’s father, Sebastijan Kerkez, shared a screenshot of the incident on his Instagram story accompanied by the track Russian Paradise from the rap group AK-47. Observers interpreted the song choice as a nod to Russia’s war in Ukraine, with the pair subsequently accused of supporting Russia’s aggression and its humanitarian aggression against the country. Media reports note that the database is not linked to the Ukrainian government and is seen as problematic in diplomatic circles.

Liverpool left-back Milos Kerkez and his father have been added to the Myrotvorets database — Photo: SPORTbible

Kerkez Denies Support for Aggression

“Personally, I have never supported and I do not support any aggression in my life, I am not a person who considers anything that harms others acceptable. At the same time, there is always tension in a football match, and in the match against Ukraine, all I did was defend our captain, my friend, and I would have done this even if any other country had been our opponent.”

Milos Kerkez, via Yahoo Sports and SPORTbible

Having departed the Hungary camp following his international duties, Kerkez returned to his native Serbia for a short break before reporting back to Liverpool.

Hungarian deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs Anita Orban released a statement condemning the backlash aimed at her countrymen.

“I strongly condemn the stigmatisation, any form of blacklisting, and any potential threats directed at Hungarian citizens Milos Kerkez and Balazs Hidveghi. Throughout the weekend, alongside the government meeting, I was in constant consultation with Ukrainian government representatives, the Hungarian Football Federation (MLSZ), the embassy, and my colleagues to ensure that all parties involved took action within their respective spheres to resolve the situation. Sport should be about performance, community, and respect. I thank the two national associations for their cooperation.”

Anita Orban, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, via SPORTbible and The Sun

Diplomatic Row Overshadows Group F

The diplomatic friction unfolded against the backdrop of an intense UEFA Nations League campaign in Group F. Ukraine continues to play its home matches outside its war-torn country due to the ongoing conflict with Russia. With the Myrotvorets website carrying no official state backing or legal sanctions, analysts note that Kerkez’s inclusion should bring no meaningful consequences beyond reputational inconvenience, leaving the defender free from official disciplinary penalties as he returns to club duties with Liverpool.

Keep reading