Hoffenheim and Stuttgart players hold up anti-war banner after Russia invaded Ukraine

Bundesliga clubs Hoffenheim and Stuttgart came together in a touching gesture of solidarity for Ukraine on Friday night, with both teams having stood behind a banner saying 'stop war' in English after Russia's invasion.

The words 'We against war' were also emblazoned onto the large message in German, while the stadium announcer condemned the bloodshed and said that 'peace is the most important thing for all of us'.

Their gesture was treated to a rousing reception from the entire crowd ahead of kick-off, with protests across the globe - and the sporting world - increasing by the hour while Vladimir Putin's devastating assault rages on.

Two of Russia's big events have been scrapped in reaction to their aggression.

They lost the Champions League final on Friday morning and, just a matter of hours later, were also stripped of their Formula One Grand Prix.

It was heavily reported that Saint Petersburg would no longer play host to football's most important club game, and it was confirmed that Paris would step in instead.

The Sochi Grand Prix, set for September 25, was also axed. F1 officials initially stalled over a decision before announcing they were pulling the plug for the event.

Elsewhere, Everton are set to remove their pre-match air raid siren ahead of their next Premier League match, while all games in Italy will be delayed in protest.

A number of footballers, including Ukrainian internationals Oleksandr Zinchenko and Vasyl Kravets, have also voiced their support for the stricken country.

The display of unity from Hoffenheim and Stuttgart is the latest act of defiance against Russia's actions, with more expected over the coming days and weeks.

At the PreZero-Arena, supporters were also pictured holding up homemade signs of their own. One such message declared that 'war is stupid'.

Elsewhere, Sportsmail reported on Friday night that police are expecting disruption from anti-Russia protests ahead of the Carabao Cup final at Wembley this weekend.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich's alleged links to Putin's regime have come under scrutiny, and the showpiece offers a platform to make protestors' voices heard.

Sportsmail revealed earlier this week that the Football Association has put in place an upgraded security operation at the national stadium.

The news comes shortly after Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky warned Russia intends to take Kyiv overnight, and urged his countrymen to resist the onslaught.

Zelensky addressed the nation from a secret location in the capital and delivered a dire warning for his embattled people.

'Russia will try to break our resistance with all its might,' he said. 'Tonight the enemy will begin storming us. We need to withstand them!'

He also warned that Chernihiv, Symy, Kharkiv, Donbas and the south could come under attack.

'This night will be difficult, very difficult. But the morning will come,' he said, according to The Kyiv Independent.