donetsk mining tragedy victims remembered

Newsroom Staff
Celtic Football Club is to pay respect to the 100 miners who were killed in the recent mine blast in the Donetsk region of Ukraine.

Before the start of this Wednesday's UEFA Champions League match between Celtic and Shakhtar Donetsk there will be one minute's applause to remember all the men who died in the tragedy.

The disaster, which happened last week, is the worst in the country's recent history. After the tragedy, the Ukraine observed three official days of mourning. A government commission has since been set up to find out what happened.

Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell said: “Clearly we are aware that this tragedy has had a devastating effect on so many families, in the Donestk region and in Ukraine as a whole.

“We have very good relations with Shakhtar Donetsk, having met the club in two UEFA Champions League competitions and we felt it important and appropriate to make this gesture in support to the families who have been affected by this terrible tragedy.

“We have spoken to UEFA and Shakhtar Donetsk who are delighted that this tribute will be made on Wednesday evening.”

Ukraine's ambassador to Britain, Ihor Kharchenko, will be in attendance at the match.