Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta expressed the west Londoners’ support for the people of Ukraine amid Russia’s continued invasion.
The west Londoners are currently operating under severely limited capacity after the club were one of Roman Abramovich’s many assets to be frozen by the UK Government.
Chelsea were granted a special sporting licence that allows them to play matches and pay their players, staff, and coaches, but not sell any match-day tickets or club merchandise.
But in a written message on Chelsea’s match-day programme, which were handed out to media covering their clash against Newcastle United, Azpilicueta highlighted that the clubs thoughts were with the people of Ukraine.
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"I want to begin my notes with a message of support for the people of Ukraine who are suffering so much at the moment and showing incredible strength in terrible circumstances,” Azpilicueta wrote in the club programme which was not sold to any supporters.
"The football family has been united in showing its compassion and support for everyone affected by these horrific events."
In and amongst the difficulties, Chelsea host Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge in a match were only season ticket holders and media will be in attendance.
The situation has left Chelsea fans severely concerned amid various reports claiming they may even struggle to finish the season.
Shirt sponsor Three suspended their sponsorship of the club amid the troubling situation encompassing Stamford Bridge.
The mobile network and telecommunications company ordered the club to remove their branding from the front of their shirts, triggering rumours that Chelsea were to play their mid-week clash against Norwich City in plain blue shirts.
However, this was not the case, as Three’s logo was emblazoned on the Blues’ shirts during their 3-1 away victory against the relegation battlers.
Meanwhile, sleeve sponsor Hyundai also announced that they would be temporarily suspending their marketing and communication activities with the club.
However, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel stated his players will have to ignore the outside noise and put all of their focus on Newcastle.
"We allow ourselves to focus on matches because there were only two days in-between,” the German said to Sky Sports before the contest.
“We had dinner yesterday and slept in the hotel, so we try to do it step by step and these routines help us. On the other we still feel privileged. I said it before football is about passion, entertainment and love for the game.
“It is the opposite of war. I feel a lot of people in our club and supporters are worried, it is uncertain times but they expect us to fight and distract us from their worries and that is why we are here and appreciate to be here and we will give our best."
Despite the uncertain situation for the club, Chelsea came into the contest having won their last four Premier League matches in a row.
The Blues’ are continuing to maintain their strong grip on third position, while they are also still in the Champions League.
