Oviri Kelvin, Sports Editor, Abuja
Thomas Tuchel has condemned the actions by Chelsea fans in the game against Burnley at Turf Moor after they chanted the name of Russian billionaire, Roman Abramovich, in the moment of solidarity for Ukraine by both teams.
The Chelsea manager described the actions by the club fans as ill-timed which according to him was improper.
“It was not the moment to do this,” he said.
In a post-match interview after Chelsea defeated Burnley 4-0, Tuchel expressed that it is important we adhere to the rules of the game and show solidarity when needed.
He added that it is necessary to show respect to clubs as demanded and appealed to the fans to do likewise within the minute assigned for such a task.
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Tuchel said, “If we show solidarity, we show solidarity, we should do it together.
“We take the knee together. If an important person from our club or another club unfortunately dies, we show a minute of respect, it is not the moment to give other messages, it’s a moment to show respect.
“We do this because this is what we are, we show respect as a club, and we need our fans to commit to this minute of applause.
“We do it for Ukraine, there is no second opinion about the situation there. They have our thoughts and our support; we should stand together as a club. It’s not the moment for other messages,” he added.
Regardless of Tuchel’s statement, Chelsea stressed that the club is committed to the rules of the game.
The club said, “The club’s very firm view is that moments of respect or recognition should always be honoured by everyone present.”
