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There were as many as 600 away fans were spotted at the Riverside Stadium for Saturday evening's FA Cup game between Middlesbrough and Chelsea. The Blues have been banned from selling tickets as a result of the sanctions imposed on owner Roman Abramovich.

The Russian oligarch was punished by the UK government for allegedly having ties with Vladimir Putin, who is currently waging a bloody war in neighbouring Ukraine. Abramovich has always denied links to the Putin regime.

Chelsea were forced to return 3,200 tickets to the Championship club due to the sanctions, with around 700 sold before they were announced. It's also entirely possible a few Blues fans got tickets in the home end and are keeping their footballing allegiance quiet.

Chelsea are currently operating under a special license, designed to restrict Abramovich from earning revenue. All previously sold tickets - such as season tickets - remain valid. Abramovich's sanctions will remain in place until May 31 but could be extended.

The billionaire has put the club up for sale and several consortiums submitted offers prior to Friday's deadline. One such bidder is Nick Candy - a property developer and Tory donor - who is leading a global consortium. Candy's alliance have offered £2billion.

Chelsea asked for Saturday's cup tie to be played behind closed doors due to