Nothing like celebrating a sanctioned oligarch
Former Chelsea defender John Terry has vowed to help fund a banner at Stamford Bridge commemorating the club’s outgoing owner, Roman Abramovich.
The Russian oligarch is selling the club after he was sanctioned by the UK government – having all his assets frozen – as a result of his close affiliation to Vladimir Putin following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
However despite the relationship Abramovich has with Putin, many Chelsea fans haven’t been shy in showing their support to their owner.
From chanting his name inside grounds to publicly criticising the government’s decision, several of Chelsea’s former players have also been vocal in their support for Abramovich, Terry being one of those.
Supporters have been planning a way to commemorate the Russian’s two decades at the west London club and are actively looking for donations towards creating a big banner to ‘honour’ him.
Terry replied to a fan pledging for support
A Chelsea fan account tweeted: “I don’t usually ask for contributions but I’m looking to raise £3200 for a 100ft x 50ft crowd surfer to thank Mr Abramovich for all he’s done for Chelsea. I’ll put £500 towards it. If you feel you can contribute, please PayPal fanzine@cfcuk.net. Any money over will go to charity.”
Terry, who made over 700 appearances for the Blues, then pledged to support it himself and replied saying: “I’m in. The best owner.”
I’m in 💙💙💙 The Best Owner
— John Terry (@JohnTerry26) April 29, 2022
Unsurprisingly, Terry’s public advocation of Abramovich has been met with heavy backlash. In March, Labour MP Chris Bryant hit out at the former England international for his support.
He tweeted: “This is appalling. I think John Terry you should take this down ASAP. The people of Ukraine are being bombed, shelled and murdered while you celebrate Abramovich.”
Plenty of others have also shown their disproval at Terry’s latest message and claimed that it doesn’t seem like he is aware of the ongoing events in Ukraine.
“Not too sure if John terry really knows what’s currently going on in Russia,” tweeted one user.
Not too sure if John terry really knows what’s currently going on in Russia? https://t.co/n9kO3uipwF
— ali worrall (@BIGalworrall) April 29, 2022
Another user tweeted: “Read the room John.”
https://twitter.com/CFCdesign/status/1520012799770075141
Another person said: “I’m sure the millions of innocent Ukrainians being persecuted will agree with you.”
https://twitter.com/Matt9300/status/1520018642158637056
Related links:
- John Terry confirms he is part of ‘True Blue’ Chelsea consortium bid
- John Terry hits back at MP who criticised his praise for Roman Abramovich
- John Terry interview pulled from air after ‘tone deaf’ Abramovich comments
