Eugene Hawryszko from the Association of Ukrainians in Victoria has backed a call for Russian and Belarusian players to be banned from major sports tournaments such as the Australian Open.

Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko is calling for the ban, and Mr Hawryszko said “Belarusians and Russians should never have been allowed to play in the tournament”.

“Had they said we don’t support Putin, it would’ve been a different kettle of fish,” Mr Hawryszko told Ross and Russel.

Press PLAY to hear his passionate call for action on Belarusian and Russian athletes 

Images: (Myroshnychenko) – Dan Peled/Getty, (Australian Open) – iStock