Manchester United pays tribute to fan killed in war in Ukraine

Aleksander Kukin died while trying to get his wife and child away from danger

Aleksander Kukin
Author: Matt SoanesPublished 22nd Mar 2022

Manchester United have paid tribute to a Ukrainian fan, one of the founders of the Kyiv Reds supporters' club, who has been killed.

Aleksander Kukin died after his car was shot at as he tried to get his family out of danger. His daughter and wife both survived and have been treated in hospital.

Man Utd says its now "exploring a number of ways in which it can offer its support to both Aleksander's family and the Kyiv Reds."

The Kyiv Reds were started in 2002 and have since become one of the key supporters' organisations in Ukraine.

Kukin was recently pictured enjoying the Red Devils' 4-2 win over Leeds, just a few weeks before his death.

Fellow Man U fan Ivan, wrote: "He used to take me to games in the local pub in Kyiv and drive me home after the midweek games when I was a kid.

"He posted my United articles on the Ukrainian Reds website and helped the growth of that movement nearly single-handedly, paying from his own pocket."

A United memento has been placed inside Aleksander's coffin, as a sign of his love for the club.

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