Manchester United And Watford Hold Up Peace Banner Before Premier League Match

Manchester United and Watford took a moment this afternoon before their clash at Old Trafford to hold up a peace banner, in what looks to be an act of solidarity with Ukrainians.

The banner displayed a large peace symbol, surrounded by the word 'peace' in six different languages.

The Manchester United team initially posed with the sign, before inviting their opponents to join them.

According to the Manchester Evening News, the stunt was the idea of interim manager Ralf Rangnick, and was met with applause from crowds at the stadium.

Sports journalist Sébastien Zany tweeted a photo taken from the stands, writing: "Man Utd and Watford players surround Rangnick as he holds a banner for #PEACE."

Someone else also tweeted: "Awesome gesture by @ManUtd and @WatfordFC in spreading a message of peace and support for Ukraine before their match."

Another commented: "Love that!!! Big up @ManUtd and @WatfordFC for that solidarity showing support for Ukraine."

The world of football is facing growing calls to take action against Russia, after the country launched an invasion of Ukraine earlier this week.

FIFA said on Thursday it would 'continue to monitor the situation' and issue an update 'in due course', but has since remained quiet.

As such, the world governing body has come under pressure, with Poland’s football association and players announcing today that they would be boycotting next month’s World Cup qualifier against Russia.

This comes after European counterpart UEFA took a decision on Friday to move its flagship Champions League final from St Petersburg to Paris - while other sports, such as Formula One, have moved to cut ties with Russia.

Former England striker Gary Lineker believes FIFA needs to make a strong statement and bar Russia from competing in this year’s tournament in Qatar.

He tweeted: “If @FIFAcom gives the World Cup qualifier to Poland and throws out Russia (unless, of course, they pull out of Ukraine), it would send a powerful and meaningful message).”

He added: “Come on @FIFAcom do what’s right.”

Quote-tweeting the statement issued by Poland’s players - in which they stated their refusal to play against Russia - Lineker also said: "Proud of how footballers are once again standing up for what is right."

Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo also shared a statement on Instagram before kick-off today, saying he was praying for 'peace'.

"We need to create a better world for our children," he said.

"Praying for peace in our world."