Chelsea fans cheer for Roman Abramovich during minute’s applause for Ukraine

Chelsea fans cheer for Roman Abramovich during minute’s applause for Ukraine
6 March Tuchel
Carl Bennett

By Carl Bennett


Published: 05/03/2022

- 16:40

Updated: 06/03/2022

- 14:49

A minute’s applause was observed following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

Chelsea fans chanted the name of their Russian owner Roman Abramovich during a minute's applause in solidarity with Ukraine on Saturday.

There have been gestures of support for Ukraine before kick-off at Premier League games, and Burnley's ground featured the slogan "Football Stands Together" and the Ukrainian flag on a large screen.


Abramovich announced on Wednesday that he was putting the club up for sale amid growing calls in Britain for him to face sanctions following Russia's invasion of its neighbour.

Chelsea fans are pictured with a message for Roman Abramovich outside the stadium before their match against Burnley
Chelsea fans are pictured with a message for Roman Abramovich outside the stadium before their match against Burnley
Craig Brough

While fans around the stadium, including the visiting Chelsea supporters, stood and applauded as the players stood for a minute before kick-off, Chelsea fans began chanting their owners' name, with Burnley fans booing in response.

Abramovich took over Chelsea in 2003, and his ownership has seen the most successful years the club has enjoyed.

Chelsea are understood to have already received several serious significant offers, with the team handling the sale still expecting more bids to be submitted.

Russia’s continued invasion of Ukraine has forced Abramovich’s decision to sell the club, with the 55-year-old considering owning Chelsea the “privilege of my lifetime”.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich in 2016
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich in 2016
John Sibley

The sale process is understood to be at the stage of gathering bids, with reviews only taking place once all offers are submitted.

As football clubs around the country paused to show their support for Ukraine, a number of Chelsea fans were heard chanting the name of their Russian owner ahead of their match against Burnley at Turf Moor.

This week, former Chelsea captain John Terry was criticised for showing his appreciation of the owner in a tweet, calling Abramovich “the best owner in the world.”

Thomas Tuchel criticised Chelsea fans for singing Roman Abramovich’s name during a minute’s applause in solidarity with Ukraine before Saturday’s 4-0 win at Burnley.

“It’s not the moment to do this,” Tuchel said. “If we show solidarity we show solidarity and we should do it together.

“We take the knee together. If an important person from our club or another club unfortunately dies we have a minute of respect.

“It is not the moment to give other messages. It’s the moment to show respect. We want to do this. As a club we need our fans to commit to this minute of applause.

“We do it for Ukraine and there is no second opinion about this situation. They have our thoughts and our support and we should stand together. It’s not the moment for other messages.”

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