Chelsea fans could be heard singing their support for Abramovich
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has criticised the club’s supporters after they were heard chanting the name of outgoing owner Roman Abramovich.
The supporters who had travelled to Turf Moor to see their side face Burnley were heard singing about the Russian oligarch during a minute’s applause in which those inside the stadium joined together for a moment of solidarity for Ukraine.
After almost two decades of ownership at Stamford Bridge, Abramovich announced his intentions to sell the club in response to the threat of sanctions imposed against him given his alleged close ties to president Vladimir Putin as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
In the past, Tuchel has been reluctant to answer questions discussing the future of Abramovich, but expressed his disappointment at hearing the chants from the away support, insisting that it wasn’t the right moment to do so.
Extremely disappointing behaviour from Chelsea's away support https://t.co/qY0SM7S1sb
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) March 5, 2022
‘It’s the moment to show respect’ – Thomas Tuchel
Speaking at his post-match conference he said: “It’s not the moment to do this.
“Listen, if we show solidarity we show solidarity and do it together. We take the knee together and if an important person from our club or another club unfortunately dies, we show a minute of respect.
“It’s not the moment to give other messages. It’s the moment to show respect.
“We need to do this because this is what we are also as a club. We show respect as a club and we need our fans to commit to this minute of applause.
“At this moment we do it for Ukraine and there is no second opinion about the situation there. They have our thoughts and our support. We should stand together as a club. It’s not the moment for other messages.”
Chelsea went on to win the game 4-0 after four second-half goals, including a brace from Kai Havertz, to return to winning ways.
Related links:
- Chelsea fans chant Roman Abramovich’s name during minute’s applause for Ukraine
- John Terry hits back at MP who criticised his praise for Roman Abramovich
- Amanda Staveley says it’s ‘unfair’ Roman Abramovich is being forced to sell Chelsea
