Technology minister Chris Philp askw Chelsea fans to stop Roman Abramovich chants
Talking to BBC Radio Four’s Today programme as quoted by BBC, technology minister Chris Philp has urged Chelsea fans to remember the Russian’s close ties with Vladimir Putin and stop chanting his name during games.
Long time owner Roman Abramovich had all his assets suspended by the UK Government and placed on the sanctions list. This in turn affected Chelsea, who have been banned from renewing player contracts, making transfers, selling tickets among other things.
In the aftermath of this, during the match against Norwich, Blues fans were chanting Abramovich’s name. Responding to this, the technology minister said fans need to remember that the Russian has close ties with Vladimir Putin, whose actions to wage war against Ukraine have been condemned worldwide.
He said that he could understand Chelsea fans’ affection towards him, but right now, the bigger picture must be considered and football is not the priority now.
“I understand why Chelsea fans have some affection for him, but when the regime he is associated with is committing atrocities that is more important than football. So I would ask them to think very carefully”
Why are Chelsea fans chanting his name?
Roman Abramovich’s 19-year reign as Chelsea owner is coming to an end and there can be no denying the fact that it is one of the best reigns English football has ever seen.
After winning the Club World Cup last month, Chelsea achieved a unique feat of having won all the possible trophies during Abramovich’s reign. From the highs of a Champions League and a Club World Cup in the last 12 months, Chelsea fans have had a rude shock with the sudden developments.
The Blues may be saddened by Abramovich’s saga but chanting his name is not the way to go about showing their defiance.
Chelsea are in crisis and there is no clear solution to the problem yet. There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding Stamford Bridge right now and from immediate problems like player futures to long-term problems like sustainability, the Blues have a lot of issues that need resolution.
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Right now, Chelsea have a lot of questions. If and when they will find the answers from the new owners- if there are any- is something that is left to be seen. Until then, it is best if our fans know the place, time, and manner to show their respect towards Abramovich’s contribution to Chelsea Football Club.
