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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
James Robson

Thomas Tuchel criticises Chelsea fans who chanted Roman Abramovich’s name during Ukraine applause

Thomas Tuchel claimed Chelsea fans were wrong to chant Roman Abramovich’s name during a show of solidarity for Ukraine.

Supporters in the away end at Turf Moor began singing the ode to their owner midway through a minute’s applause for the victims of Russia’s invasion.

It prompted jeers from Burnley fans and widespread condemnation on social media.

And Tuchel risked a backlash from his own support by claimed they picked the wrong time to show appreciation for Abramovich, who this week announced plans to sell the European champions.

After the 4-0 win, Tuchel said: “It’s not the moment to do this. Listen, if we show solidarity, we show solidarity and we should 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 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.”

The Premier League announced plans to show their solidarity this weekend, with 20 captains wearing special armbands with Ukrainian colours.

Big screens at stadiums will display “Football Stands Together” against the backdrop of the blue and yellow colours of the Ukrainian flag.

(Getty Images)

Fans have also been encouraged to join players, managers, match officials and club staff in a moment of reflection and solidarity before kick-off at each game.

Ahead of the game against Burnley, fans inside the stadium stood and applauded. But at the same time, supporters in the away end began to chant “Roman Abramovich.”

They were roundly booed by Burnley fans – but continued to chant even after the applause had concluded.

Abramovich has faced growing calls to be sanctioned because of his association with Vladimir Putin.

He has not been included on the UK’s list oligarchs to have their assets frozen. But he has confirmed plans to sell the club amid growing pressure and it also claimed he is trying to sell up his London property portfolio.

Prospective buyers have been instructed to make formal offers by March 15, with billionaires Todd Boehly and Hansjorg Wyss emerging as leading contenders to buy the Russian out.

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