‘Completely inappropriate’ – Chelsea fans slammed by Government for chanting Roman Abramovich’s name and ordered to stop
CHELSEA fans have been ordered to STOP chanting their support of Roman Abramovich – with the UK Government calling it ‘completely inappropriate’.
Blues fans showed their backing for the Russian billionaire during Sunday’s 1-0 win over Newcastle at Stamford Bridge with chants and banners.
But Boris Johnson‘s official spokesperson has slammed the behaviour amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
A spokesperson for the Prime Minister said: “We recognise the strength of feeling around people’s clubs…
“But that does not excuse behaviour which is completely inappropriate at this time.
“I think people can show passion and support for their club without resorting to that sort of stuff.”
Abramovich put Chelsea up for sale earlier this month – much to fans’ dismay.
The oligarch slapped a £3billion price-tag on the club but was quickly slapped with sanctions over his relationship with Vladimir Putin – who ordered the invasion of neighbouring Ukraine.
Abramovich’s assets were frozen, with Chelsea placed under a special licence which allows them to operate but unable to generate new revenue.
The Russian has been told he can sell the club, but only after he vowed to not pocket any of the proceeds for himself.
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And Johnson’s spokesperson revealed the Government is still ‘open’ to Chelsea being sold after the Saudi Media Group led by Blues fan Mohamed Alkhereiji launched a £2.7billion offer to buy the club.
They continued: “We are open to the sale of the club, we would consider an application for a licence to allow that to happen in the right circumstances.
“But it is for Chelsea to determine the exact process.
“My understanding is potential buyers would approach the club, who would then need to apply for a further amended licence to facilitate the sale.
“As far as I’m aware that hasn’t happened at this point.”
‘OPEN TO ALL OPTIONS’
As well as the Saudi Media Group, British billionaire Nick Candy, a consortium including Todd Boehly and Hansjorg Wyss, and ex-Liverpool chairman Martin Broughton have expressed their interest in taking over at Chelsea.
The Government will oversee the sale process to ensure there is no benefit to Abramovich, with New York merchant bank the Raine Group handling the sale.
Meanwhile, Downing Street did not rule out the hotel at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge ground being used to house Ukrainian refugees.
The PM’s official spokesman said: “We would certainly want to see wherever is possible used. We are open to all options.”
Abramovich opened up the hotel to NHS workers at times during the Covid pandemic at his own expense.