March 05, (THEWILL) – Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has advised fans not to lose sight of the broader issue after they were heard screaming Roman Abramovich’s name during the minute’s applause for Ukrainian conflict victims before Saturday’s 4-0 victory against Burnley.
Abramovich decided to sell the club amid a barrage of criticism for his ties to Russian President, Vladimir Putin, who has ordered the invasion of neighbouring Ukraine. It is a decision that has angered some fans.
There were expressions of solidarity with Ukraine across the Premier League this weekend, but at Turf Moor, travelling Chelsea fans could be heard singing Abramovich’s name during a round of applause for the victims of Russia’s invasion.
“It’s not the moment to do this”, Tuchel said after the game.
“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.”
Tuchel also used the opportunity to commend his players for putting in a professional performance despite the tangible and virtual clamour that has surrounded the club in recent days.
“It is possible [to block out the noise] because we do it” he said. “We had a brilliant match at Wembley, then we were at Luton and were twice behind but turned it around, three days later we arrive at Burnley and you know what’s waiting. And again we stepped up. So it shows a lot of character.”
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
