UK Home Secretary Priti Patel revokes visas for Belarus men’s basketball team ahead of their game against Britain
The world is facing a serious crisis right now. A few days ago, Russian armed forces attacked Ukraine. They infiltrated the border towns of Lugansk and Donetsk. On February 24, President Putin announced a full-scale land, sea and air invasion of Ukraine.
Since then, many people have stood up in support of Ukraine and its citizens. A few players have stopped playing for their clubs, which supported Russia and its actions. Recently, UK Home Secretary Priti Patel revoked the visas of the Belarusian men’s basketball team. The Belarusian team was supposed to face Great Britain in the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifiers, to earn a spot for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2022.
I canceled the visas of the Belarusian men’s basketball team which was due to play in Newcastle tomorrow night.
The UK will not host national sports teams from countries that are complicit in Putin’s unprovoked and unlawful invasion #Ukraine.
— Priti Patel (@pritipatel) February 26, 2022
Also read: Is Kyrie Irving playing tonight against the Milwaukee Bucks? Uncle Drew reportedly looking to lead Nets past 2021 NBA champions in Kevin Durant’s absence
This got a lot of mixed reactions from the audience.
Twitter reacts to the cancellation of visas for the Belarusian men’s basketball team
Belarus is a small nation sharing two of its borders with Russia and one with Ukraine. Throughout this conflict, Belarus has made it clear that it is siding with Russia. The United States, United Kingdom and other major countries condemn this decision and, initially, Priti Patel canceled the visas of the Belarusian men’s basketball team. NBA Twitter reacted to the same thing in different ways.
Ban a few people from playing a basketball game
Wow I’m sure this will definitely help the crisis pic.twitter.com/JDudDvSSZD
— Leo Barlow (@Leobarlow48) February 26, 2022
Cool, but when are you waiving visa requirements for Ukrainian refugees! ?
– 🧀🍷Boris Johnson’s “best” quotes 🎂🔪😱 (@BorisJQuotes) February 26, 2022
Great 👍🏼
—Kevin Edger (@KEdge23) February 26, 2022
Good news. Thank you.
Next, I want to see statements from all of the UK-based Russian oligarchs denouncing Putin’s actions. And if they don’t agree to do so, you also have to take care of canceling their visas and citizenship!
Thank you.
– Thanks for listening (@wasT_G) February 26, 2022
Uh… You don’t let Ukrainians come here but you think we should applaud you for that? Are you thick https://t.co/UpdCV0ms0i
— Grace Campbell (@GraceCampbell) February 26, 2022
Also Read: ‘No One Should Be Surprised RJ Barrett Is Gonna Be The Face Of The Knicks’: Jimmy Butler Praises Maple Mamba After Breaking Out For Career-High 46-Point Performance
While the UK government has done what it feels is right, it should probably think about opening its borders to refugees in these trying times. We hope Ukrainians are safe and this whole issue will be resolved soon.
