A BUS driver has spoken of his sadness after he was left with no choice but to remove the name of a speedway champion which adorns a Bradford bus due to the invasion of Ukraine.
John Murphy has worked over the last few years to get First buses in the district adorned with the names of speedway greats, many of whom raced in Bradford during the sports' heyday at Odsal Stadium.
But now one bus – bearing the name of the reigning World Speedway Champion – has had its stickers removed as the racer, Artem Laguta, is Russian.
With the ongoing situation in Ukraine, Mr Murphy said there was “little alternative” other than removing the banner.
Mr Murphy said: “Sad to have had to do this, and no way being arrogant in assuming the name on this bus would be seen/recognised, but with the instant access to Google in these modern times and the current situation in Ukraine, there is little alternative otherwise.
“The bus carried the name of the current World Champion for almost five months.”
He also thanked First, Bannerman Bradford and others for allowing the name of Laguta to adorn the double-decker.
Mr Murphy added: “Artem was the first Russian to become World Speedway Champion, a competition that dates back to 1928.
“Along with fellow Russian Emil Suyfutinov, Artem cannot defend his title as things stand.
“The World Champion is the prime ambassador for speedway and currently, from social media there is nothing but 100 per cent sympathy for Artem's situation.”
Last weekend, the International Federation of Motorcycling (FIM) banned any racers from Russia or Belarus from competing indefinitely and also cancelled any events due to be held in the countries, condemning the actions of Russia in invading Ukraine.
It followed the International Olympic Committee's decision to ban Russian and Belarussian athletes from competing in the Winter Paralympics in Beijing.
Jorge Viegas, FIM President, said: “We stand in sympathy and solidarity with all those suffering, as a result of the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
“I would like to thank the FIM Board of Directors members in deciding these measures in the interests of sport and peace.
“The FIM family is watching the developments in Ukraine with great sadness and hope for a prompt and peaceful resolution.”
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