Everton ace Mykolenko ‘attacked’ by Ukraine fans as he confronts them after Nations League defeat
Everton defender Vitalii Mykolenko was “attacked” by angry Ukraine fans after their 3-2 defeat to the Czech Republic in the Nations League, according to Champion.
The Ukrainian news outlet reported on 11 September that the full-back was subject to abuse from fans while representing his nation on international duty and was seen to get a cup thrown at him as he walked away.
Mykolenko played 90 minutes in both of Ukraine’s Nations League matches against Albania and the Czech Republic, even grabbing an assist. Still, his time representing his nation was met with a distasteful end.
Champion shared a video clip of the incident on their website.
Can Mykolenko help turn around Everton’s form?
Toffees fans will be aware of the poor start made to the new season under Sean Dyche, with two goals scored and 10 conceded in the first three matches.
However, Mykolenko could come in handy with the defender clearly capable of providing assists, which would take some pressure off Dwight McNeil if he begins chipping in to help out the team.
The 25-year-old has been a mainstay in the Everton defence since his arrival in January 2022, although the attacking contribution he had at Dynamo Kyiv did not arrive with him.
Perhaps the Ukrainian is being underused by the manager, especially given the fact he scored seven goals and assisted 16 times during his time at Kyiv, a far cry from his efforts at Goodison Park.
Although defensive replacement, particularly in the left-back position, is as short as ever, and given Ashley Young’s disciplinary record and Nathan Patterson still out injured, Everton may need to look elsewhere for their goals and assists, perhaps further up the field.
In other Everton news, a Jarrad Branthwaite exit is a “serious possibility”.
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