Milos Kerkez listed on Myrotvorets database sparks diplomatic tension

Hungarian footballer Milos Kerkez and his father, Sebastijan Kerkez, have been added to the Myrotvorets database, a site that lists individuals described as “enemies of Ukraine”. The controversy stems from a UEFA Nations League match between Hungary and Ukraine, during which Milos Kerkez was involved in a physical altercation with Ukrainian player Viktor Tsyhankov while defending his captain, Dominik Szoboszlai.

The situation escalated after Sebastijan Kerkez posted an image of the incident on Instagram accompanied by a song by the Russian group AK-47. Milos Kerkez has denied supporting any form of aggression, stating that his actions were purely a result of on-field emotions to protect a teammate. He also clarified that he is not responsible for his father’s social media activity.

The incident has taken on a diplomatic dimension. Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orbán condemned the listing of Kerkez and Hungarian politician Balázs Hidvéghi on the site, describing the practice as stigmatization. Hungarian authorities have reportedly held consultations with Ukrainian representatives, the Hungarian Football Federation, and the embassy to address the matter.