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Chelsea fans disrupted a moment of solidarity in support of Ukraine on Saturday when they began applauding the name of Russian owner Roman Abramovich, who announced the sale of the club this week amid backlash against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Videos posted on social media have surfaced showing fans chanting “Roman Abramovich” during a scheduled one-minute applause in support of Ukraine ahead of the match between Chelsea and Burnley.
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The loud chants were met with an even louder rumble from those who berated the interruption.
The Premier League issued a statement on Wednesday condemning Russia’s attacks on Ukraine and announcing measures the league will take to show its support for Ukraine during matches this weekend.
“The Premier League and our clubs wholeheartedly reject Russia’s actions and will show support for the people of Ukraine at all matches this weekend,” the league said in a statement on Wednesday. “We call for peace, and our thoughts are with all those affected.
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Both teams stand for a minute of applause in support of Ukraine ahead of the Premier League match between Burnley and Chelsea at Turf Moor on March 5, 2022 in Burnley, UK. (Photo by Daniel Chesterton/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
According to the statement, the club captains of the 20 teams that will play will wear special armbands in Ukrainian colors. Before the start of the match, a moment of “reflection and solidarity” will be held, and “Football Together” will be written on large video screens in each stadium above the colors of the Ukrainian flag.
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel criticized supporters’ actions after the 4-0 win, saying it was a moment to “show respect” and not “other messages”.
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel during a Premier League match between Burnley and Chelsea at Turf Moor on March 5, 2022 in Burnley, UK. (Photo by Daniel Chesterton/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
“Now is not the time to do it. If we show solidarity, we will show solidarity and we must do it together,” he said via AFP. “Now is not the time to give other messages. This is the moment to show respect. We want to do it. As a club, we need our fans to dedicate themselves to this moment of applause.”
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Players support Ukraine before the start of the Premier League match between Burnley and Chelsea at Turf Moor on March 5, 2022 in Burnley, UK. (Photo by Dave Howarth – CameraSport via Getty Images)
He continued: “We are doing this for Ukraine, and there is no other opinion about this situation. They have our thoughts and our support, and we must stand together. Now is not the time for other messages.”