Szoboszlai reportedly sparked Ukraine-Hungary scuffle after pushing Tsyhankov
Dominik Szoboszlai appears to have played a key role in triggering the late confrontation between Hungary and Ukraine, with footage seemingly showing the Liverpool midfielder pushing Viktor Tsyhankov before quickly walking away.
The incident happened during stoppage time of Hungary’s 1-0 defeat at the Puskás Aréna. Ukraine had just been reduced to 10 men after Oleksandr Nazarenko received a second yellow card in the 92nd minute.
With Hungary pushing for an equaliser, tensions suddenly boiled over.
While the referee and other players were still dealing with the sending-off, Szoboszlai approached Tsyhankov and appeared to shove the Ukrainian winger. He then turned away and moved towards the ball after Tsyhankov had kicked it away while play remained stopped.
Tsyhankov subsequently confronted Szoboszlai, while Liverpool teammate Milos Kerkez also became involved. Ukraine defender Mykola Matviyenko then joined the confrontation, with the situation quickly escalating into a larger clash involving players from both sides.
Szoboszlai, Kerkez and Tsyhankov were booked, while Matviyenko also received a yellow card.
The confrontation came at a costly moment for Hungary, who were chasing an equaliser after Ukraine went down to 10 players. The stoppage also disrupted their momentum as they searched for a late goal.
Hungary had enjoyed 57% possession and recorded 17 shots compared with Ukraine’s 10, but they ultimately failed to find the breakthrough.
After the match, Szoboszlai played down the incident, suggesting that such confrontations are simply part of football. He also insisted Hungary were prepared to compete physically regardless of the opposition.
