Ghost of football past stalks abandoned Ukraine arena

Donetsk, Ukraine

IN its halcyon days, the Donbass Arena in eastern Ukraine was a gleaming temple to football, welcoming some of the sport's biggest names through its portals.

But while star players are now lining up in the Confederations Cup tournament across the border in Russia, the arena is wasting away.

Seized by insurgents waging a bloody three-year conflict against Kiev, the venue is in a state of pitiful decline.

The stands which once echoed to the chants and cheers of miners and their familie…