Thomas Tuchel criticises Chelsea fans over Roman Abramovich chants during Ukraine applause

Thomas Tuchel has criticised Chelsea’s fans for chanting the name of owner Roman Abramovich in the middle of a minute’s applause for victims of the war in Ukraine before Saturday’s 4-0 win over Burnley.

Premier League clubs are making a show of solidarity with Ukraine in this weekend’s matches following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of the country, with a moment of ‘reflection and solidarity’ taking place before kick-off.

But as the home fans stood up for a minute’s applause at Turf Moor before Burnley’s clash with Chelsea, the clapping was suddenly drowned out by Chelsea fans chanting Abramovich’s name.

The Russian oligarch could face sanctions due to his alleged links to the Russian state – which he denies – and he announced on Wednesday that he was actively looking to sell the west London club he has owned since 2003.

Chelsea’s supporters were widely condemned over the chanting, which was clearly in poor taste, while the home fans at Burnley responded with a chorus of boss as the moment of reflection was sullied.

Now Tuchel has joined the condemnation and says Chelsea’s supporters picked an inappropriate moment to show their appreciation for the departing Abramovich and hopes they will join in with any show of solidarity with Ukraine in the future.

Asked about the Abramovich chants during the applause for Ukraine, Tuchel replied at his post-match press conference: ‘It’s not the moment to do this.

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‘Listen, if we show solidarity we show solidarity and we should do it together.

‘We take the knee