Chelsea supporters disrupted a minute of applause in support of Ukraine this afternoon by chanting Roman Abramovich’s name. The Russian club owner decided to sell Chelsea this week, almost certainly out of fear of sanctions from the British government.
Before the Burnley match, as with other matches in the Premier League, there was a minute of applause for Russia-invaded Ukraine. Many supporters clapped along, but the name of Abramovich sounded from the box with away supporters. The 55-year-old Russian is immensely popular with the fans, because under his leadership, the Champions League was won twice.
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel had been annoyed by the behavior of his supporters from the field. “Now is not the time to do this. If we show solidarity, we show solidarity and we have to do it together,” said the German at the press conference after the 0-4 win against Wout Weghorst’s team.
“It is not the time to give other messages. Now is the time to show respect. We want to do that. We are doing it for Ukraine and there is no other opinion about this situation.”
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