Chelsea fans were heard chanting Abramovich’s name during their game against Burnley
The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust has told fans of the club not to sing Roman Abramovich’s name during the minute’s applause to show solidarity for Ukraine.
Chelsea fans could be heard singing the name of the Russian oligarch during the minute’s applause at Turf Moor in their game against Burnley last weekend – leading to widespread backlash.
Thomas Tuchel hit out at the travelling fans and insisted that it was “not the moment to give other messages,” and that they should show solidarity to the people of Ukraine.
“Listen, if we show solidarity we show solidarity and do it together,” he said.
“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.”
Abramovich put the club up for sale after almost two decades of ownership last week in response to the threat of sanctions from the UK government, after the invasion of Ukraine saw increased scrutiny on his alleged close ties to Vladimir Putin.
The European champions travel to Norwich City in the Premier League on Thursday night and ahead of the fixture at Carrow Road, the Supporters’ Trust told the Mail that they expect fans to be respectful and show solidarity.
A spokesperson said: “The CST has been steadfast in support of the people of Ukraine.
“Singing Mr Abramovich’s name at that time was clearly inappropriate. There is a time and a place for it.
“From minute one to 90 during the match is fine but not during the one minute marked as a tribute to the people of Ukraine.
“With Norwich, we hope supporters take on board the comments of the manager and respect the minute’s applause or silence.”
Related links:
- Arsenal accused of hypocrisy over Ukraine after not backing Ozil’s Uighur campaign
- Thomas Tuchel hits out at Chelsea fans following Roman Abramovich chants
- Ukraine strip Anatoliy Tymoshchuk of all awards for silence on Russian invasion
