Chanting Chelsea fans urged to remember reasons for Roman Abramovich sanctions

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.

Abramovich’s name was sung repeatedly by Blues fans at Carrow Road, hours after the Government imposed sanctions on him over his links to Russian president Vladimir Putin.

Russia, on Putin’s orders, launched an invasion of Ukraine just over two weeks ago which has sparked a humanitarian crisis in Europe. The Government has responded by freezing the assets of oligarchs such as Abramovich, which has led to Chelsea being subject to a licence placing strict conditions on their commercial activities.

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.

“The players need our support more than ever. Tonight, let’s get behind the team, rather than focusing on today’s news,” the tweet read.

“Now is the time for Chelsea supporters to focus on actions we can take to protect the future of our club.

“Supporters should be respectful of any pre-match show of solidarity with the Ukrainian people who are suffering appallingly at the hands of Putin.”

On Friday the CST urged the Government to amend the terms of the licence to avoid innocent people losing their jobs.

In anticipation of the fixture vs. Norwich, the CST has made the following