‘Inappropriate! UK Prime minister sends warning message to Chelsea fans following latest sanctions
The Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned by the UK government and disqualified from his position as a Chelsea director.
However, The Chelsea fans have been keen to show their support and gratitude to the Russian billionaire, accused of enabling Vladimir Putin and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Meanwhile, at Stamford Bridge on Saturday (v Newcastle), Chelsea fans displayed a banner with Abramovich’s face and an inscription that read, “The Roman Empire”. The background of the banner is similar to the colours of the Russian flag.
At several games, the Blues’ match-going fans have also chanted Abramovich’s name, including during a minute’s applause to the victims of the war in Ukraine before the Burnley game.
Now the UK government has asked Chelsea fans to stop singing Abramovich’s name.
“We recognise the strength of feeling around people’s clubs but that does not excuse behaviour which is completely inappropriate at this time,” PM Boris Johnson’s official spokesman said, as quoted by the Independent.
“I think people can show passion and support for their club without resorting to that sort of stuff.”