By Dave Langton
The Russia question is engulfing the Europa League.
Vladimir Putin, the country’s president, has launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, to the condemnation of nations across Europe. 
It is an absolutely horrific act of aggression, and we are by no means trying to report political points here other than to say ; we stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
It has led to reports that UEFA are set to confirm that the Champions League final will not be held at Zenit St Petersburg’s Gazprom Stadium.
But Zenit remain in the Europa League and are set to play Real Betis, Manuel Pellegrini’s side, tonight.
Zenit lost the first leg 3-2 but they could well still advance to the round of 16 of the competition.
And that throws up a very interesting question: What happens next?
West Ham will go into the draw tomorrow for the quarter-finals and they could well be given the opportunity to face Zenit, which would potentially mean a trip to Russia.
One has to think that any game involving Zenit will be moved to a neutral venue, but it would be an uncomfortable sequence of events for UEFA.
They are likely to be hoping that Betis, and Pellegrini, win the game tonight and avoid the sticky scenario we have presented.
Kick them out of European football and while their at it as a Russian owned club they should kick Chelsea out of European competition as well.