Chelsea fans reminded Roman Abramovich sanctioned for supporting Vladimir Putin’s ‘brutal assault’ on Ukraine
The IndependentSign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Prime Minister’s spokesman has urged Chelsea fans to remember why Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the Government after supporters sang the Russian’s name during Thursday night’s match at Norwich. The Prime Minister’s spokesman was asked about the chants on Friday and said: “We understand the strength of feelings that Chelsea fans will have and the passion for their club but it’s important to remember that these sanctions are being imposed on those who have provided support to the Putin regime and the brutal assault on Ukraine.” The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust had called on fans to be “respectful” in a tweet sent before Thursday night’s match. “We don’t want to have any jobs lost as a result of this, because the bigger picture is to keep everybody in the club protected and looked after.” Silver said a compromise solution would be for Chelsea to be allowed to sell tickets and merchandise but for the money to be independently managed, with the club needing to prove they were only drawing down what they needed to pay operating costs. “I would imagine he would probably walk away.” The CST joined a meeting with Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston on Thursday, alongside the Chelsea Women’s Supporters Group, Chelsea Pride and the Football Supporters’ Association.