Everton to change pre-match ritual in show of respect to Mykolenko, Zinchenko and Ukraine

dailystar.co.uk:

Everton will change a pre-match ritual this weekend in a show of respect to Ukraine internationals Vitaliy Mykolenko and Oleksandr Zinchenko.

The Toffees host Manchester City in the Premier League late kick-off on Saturday (February 26).Mykolenko, who joined Everton in the January transfer window, and City left-back Zinchenko are both doubts for the fixture as a result of Russia's invasion of their home country.They have each taken to social media to condemn the actions of Vladimir Putin, with Zinchenko telling the Russian president to "die the most painful death".And aside from their potential absences, there will be another notable different before kick-off.That's because according to the Daily Mail, Everton are set to silence the air-raid siren they usually play through the speakers at Goodison Park.The Merseyside club altered the normal rendition of theme tune Z Cars in 2019 to the version that boxer and fan Tony Bellew used for his ring-walk.That includes the air-raid siren, a noise that rung out in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv on Thursday.It was used for the first time in a derby match with Liverpool nearly three years ago and has grown to be a popular feature with supporters.They will not be hearing it this weekend but whether it will be permanently removed is unclear.Fans and players will be able to protest against Russia's military operation after the Premier League announced they would not be punished for displays.The FA usually prohibit any political messages but they will not consider the presence of Ukrainian flags on the pitch or in the stands as a breach of their rules.However, they will investigate protests on a case-by-case basis.It's expected that Everton fans will unfurl a banner for Mykolenko.Frank.