MX23RW : Monday, April 29 09:57:37| >> :600:2818803:2818803:

Lack of 'Respect' sleeve patch was not a FAW message to UEFA over Belarus game

Lack of 'Respect' sleeve patch was not a FAW message to UEFA over Belarus game
© Reuters
Wales must travel to Russia to face Belarus in a 2022 World Cup qualifier on Sunday.

The Football Association of Wales has made clear it did not slight UEFA over players not wearing 'Respect' sleeve patches in Wednesday's friendly against Finland.

Wales and UEFA have been at loggerheads since European football's governing body decided to stage Sunday's 2022 World Cup qualifier with Belarus in the Russian city of Kazan.

Interim boss Robert Page has described going to Russia as a "logistical nightmare" and Wales raised some eyebrows by playing without the 'Respect' badge on their sleeves in Helsinki, whereas Finland promoted the UEFA message on their shirts.

Italy v Wales – UEFA Euro 2020 – Group A – Stadio Olimpico
Wales captain Gareth Bale pictured wearing the UEFA 'Respect' badge during Euro 2020 this summer (Marco Iacobucci/PA)

"Sleeve patches are not a requirement for friendlies," said an FAW spokesman stressing that no stance had been taken against UEFA.

"We didn't wear them (in June friendlies) against France or Albania and neither did they."

Wales warmed up for their Kazan clash by drawing 0-0 in Finland.

Harry Wilson saw his first-half penalty saved as Page, without several regulars due to injury and coronavirus-related issues, named an inexperienced side possessing just 160 caps.

"It was a worthwhile exercise and a lot of them have given me a headache for Sunday," said Page whose side follow their trip to Russia with another World Cup qualifier at home to Estonia on Wednesday.

"The two midfielders, Dylan (Levitt) and Matt (Smith), gave a good account of themselves.

"We know they are gifted footballers and that's why they're in the squad, but to go and give a performance like that was excellent.

"We'll see what we do on Sunday. We've had an issue at the top of the pitch with the injuries we've had and now losing Kieffer (Moore), and that's something we need to look at.

Euro 2020 Package
Wales will be without striker Kieffer Moore for their World Cup double-header against Belarus and Estonia (PA)

"The good thing is that our players have been out playing games.

"It's ironic that it's been the most difficult camp coming into it with injuries and Covid.

"But this has been the first camp where we've had so many players coming into it playing football. We've seen the benefits with players hitting the ground running."

Hull loan signing Smith is among that number with the 21-year-old having started the Tigers' last three Sky Bet Championship games.

Wales v Bulgaria – UEFA Nations League – Group 4 – League B – Cardiff City Stadium
Midfielder Matthew Smith impressed for Wales in the friendly draw with Finland (David Davies/PA)

Smith was the pick of the Wales bunch in Helsinki, impressing both in central midfield alongside Levitt and on the right late on where he produced a couple of brilliant crosses into the box.

"Playing (at Hull) has helped me massively," said Smith, now on his fifth loan spell away from parent club Manchester City.

"I'm still young in the footballing game, and I'm try to improve and learn every day.

"Dylan is a very good player and I think we do work well together. The team is really gelling and coming together more with every camp."

ID:462001:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect7652:

Click here for more stories about Matthew Smith

Click here for more stories about Wales

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Gareth Bale in action for Wales in November 2020
Read Next:
Robert Page plays down Gareth Bale injury fears after Finland friendly
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal35255585285780
2Manchester CityMan City34247382325079
3Liverpool35229477364175
4Aston Villa35207873522167
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs33186967521560
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd34166125251154
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle341651374551953
8West Ham UnitedWest Ham351310125665-949
9Chelsea33139116359448
10Bournemouth35139135260-848
11Wolverhampton WanderersWolves35137154855-746
12Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton341111125257-544
13Fulham35127165155-443
14Crystal Palace351010154557-1240
15Everton35128153748-1136
16Brentford3598185260-835
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3579194262-2026
18Luton TownLuton3567224877-2925
19Burnley3559213870-3224
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd3537253497-6316


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!