During a minutes applause in solidarity with the Ukraine, some Chelsea fans could be heard chanting the name of their owner Roman Abramovich.
The incident occurred just before kick-off in their Premier League encounter with Burnley at Turf Moor stadium.
All Premier League games this weekend are being preceded by a round of applause as a gesture of solidarity with Ukraine as their country continues to fight against the ongoing invasion from Russia.
Abramovich is a popular figure amongst Chelsea fans, and seen as the leading figure in turning their fortunes around in the 2000s through the money he has invested in the club.
However, whatever the motivations of the Chelsea fans, it was in poor taste to use this moment to chant the name of an oligarch during a minute's applause for the nation that has been invaded by Russia.
In his post-match press conference, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel criticised the Chelsea supporters for their actions.
"It was not the moment to do this."
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has reacted to Chelsea fans singing Roman Abramovich's name during Ukraine applause. pic.twitter.com/6uXhM5dNQp— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 5, 2022
If we show solidarity, we show solidarity and we should do it together.
We take the knee together, if an important person form another club unfortunately dies we show a minute of respect. It's not the moment to give other messages. It's a moment to show respect.
We want to do this because this is how we do this, we show respect as a club. We need our fans to commit to this minute of applause.
In that moment we do it for Ukraine, there is no second opinion about the situation and they have our thoughts and support. We should stand together as a club and it's not the moment for other messages.
Abramovich has been in the news recently due to the fact that he is selling the club, with many speculating that he is being prompted because of the invasion of Ukraine by his native country.
This has lead to an outpouring of gratitude towards him from Chelsea fans and ex-players, namely John Terry.
Terry recently called out by Labour MP Chris Bryant after Bryant had called on Terry to take down an ‘appalling’ Twitter tribute to Abramovich.
100% mate 💙
The same MP that claimed fortunes in expenses of the tax payers money. Also the same MP who voted that we invade Iraq. 🤡— John Terry (@JohnTerry26) March 5, 2022
Other’s have called out the adoration Chelsea fans have for Abramovich, citing it as a form of ‘sportswashing’.
Whatever the reason, this move was certainly in poor taste from some members of the travelling Chelsea support.
Not sure if it was picked up on TV coverage but during the show of solidarity for Ukraine here at Turf Moor, Chelsea supporters started up a Roman Abramovich chant.
Which, let's face it, is pretty stupid and distasteful.— Adam Newson (@AdamNewson) March 5, 2022
That, btw, is a great example of why the John Terry tweet mattered.
— Adam Crafton (@AdamCrafton_) March 5, 2022
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