Quote:
Originally Posted by jfman
If Ukrainians don’t want to play by the rules (that includes respecting opponents) then they should withdraw. It’s tedious nonsense.
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The reason they don't shake hands is because they don't want the photos used for Russian propaganda. They don't want anything to support the Russian Government's narrative that the people of Ukraine support Russia.
The Ukrainian did offer to touch tap blades which was the protocol during COVID apparently and has been used occasionally since. The Russian refused trying to insist on the handshake and then refused to leave during a 45-minute meltdown. She was trying to get the Ukrainian disqualified, her Instagram was full of stuff promoting the Russian war so she knew what she was doing. I have no sympathy for her.
I don't think Russian and Belarusian athletes should be banned but it becomes trickier if they're using the sports to promote the war and provoke their Ukrainian opponents.
You compare that to tennis where the Russian and Belarusian players respect their opponent's decision not to shake hands and instead, the players nod to each other.