Three Thousand Versts of Loneliness

When Liverpool faced Everton at lunchtime on Saturday, Robbie Keane created Fernando Torres 59th minute goal, delivering a consummate cross from the by-line. Moments later his threaded through ball to Dirk Kuyt drew a save, before Torres’ pounced with a second, ultimately lethal strike. Last night, in the Champions’ League, ‘El Nino’ returned the favour, feeding Keane from the dead ball line. The Irishman finished with precision, putting Liverpool 2-0 ahead against PSV Eindhoven and opening his goalscoring account with the Anfield reds. Let the fireworks commence. On a less happy note, bad luck to Shakhtar Donetsk who led Barcelona, but were eventually beaten by an injury time goal. I’ve had a soft stop for the club since visiting Donetsk and being showered with free, albeit incomprehensible, club magazines by supporters eager to share their enthusiasm.

In 2003 I spent an enjoyable few days in Donetsk, eastern Ukraine with fellow Northern Ireland supporters. It was with a great deal of sadness that I learned of the tragedy which has befallen one of the most friendly, distinctive destinations that I have visited anywhere in the world. Ukraine’s coal-mines have a notorious reputation, due to the unusual depth of the seams coupled with antiquated equipment. The Donbass region has suffered tragedies before and indeed the Zasyadko mine, in which nearly 80 miners lost their lives on Sunday, has claimed the lives of its workers repeatedly. Donetsk is a city with mining woven into its very fabric, both literally and metaphorically. The mines are actually present in the city itself, with passages and tunnels running underneath streets and houses. I played football at Metallurg Donetsk’s training ground, which despite its urban location stood next to a large slag heap. The industry is an essential aspect of the identity of the city’s peop...