Thomas Tuchel calls out Boris Johnson over criticism of Roman Abramovich chants

Thomas Tuchel has questioned Boris Johnson’s “priorities” after the Prime Minister urged Chelsea fans to stop chanting for owner Roman Abramovich.

Chelsea owner Abramovich has been sanctioned by the Government after Downing Street claimed to have proven the 55-year-old’s links to Vladimir Putin.

The Russian-Israeli billionaire put the London club up for sale on March 2 amid Russia’s continued invasion of Ukraine, with some Blues fans continuing to chant his name.

Chelsea can operate under special Government licence despite Abramovich’s other UK assets being frozen, with the club’s bosses lobbying Downing Street on relaxations to allow the Champions League holders to operate close to normal fashion.

The Government will oversee Chelsea’s sale with Abramovich barred from profiting amid the sanctions, with New York merchant bank Raine Group setting a March 18 deadline for bids.

The majority of Chelsea fans drowned out chants for Abramovich in Sunday’s 1-0 Stamford Bridge win over Newcastle, but that has not stopped the Prime Minister from making his feelings clear.

And head coach Tuchel was left nonplussed by the intervention, amid Russia’s continued aggression in Ukraine.

I don't know if fan chants being discussed in Parliament means that we have to worry about the priorities of this Government.- Thomas Tuchel

When quizzed on Johnson’s call on Chelsea fans, Tuchel replied: “I just heard about it some minutes ago. I don’t know if, in these times, if it is the most important discussion to have in Parliament.

“I don’t know if fan chants being discussed in Parliament means that we have to worry about the priorities of this Government.

“But OK… Listen, no need to comment from me. We have really far more urgent things to discuss