I fled bombs in Ukraine to become football ref in Scotland

Refugee from war in her homeland tells how she found safety here.. and her World Cup ambitions

- ALISON MCCONNELL

A UKRAINIAN refugee has started a new life in Scotland as a respected football referee.

Mariia Zobenko, 19, was an up-andcoming whistler in her homeland until the Russian invasion forced her to flee.

She left friends and family behind in war-torn Dnipro to try to create a new life for herself in Edinburgh.

Now Mariia is thriving in her adopted homeland and is refereeing amateur games in the capital - and hopes to take charge of Champions League and World Cup ties one day.

Speaking of her decision to escape Ukraine, Mariia said: "In February to May it was very stressful as we were at home all the time or in bomb shelters because Dnipro was heavily targeted and rocked by bombs.

"It was hard and I couldn't imagine not living with my family.

"I am an only child and lived with my parents but my grandparents and my uncle and aunt lived in the same block as us.

"We were all living together as we couldn't imagine what the next day was going to bring.