BURNLEY — Chelsea fans chanted the name of their Russian owner Roman Abramovich during a minute's applause in solidarity with Ukraine on Saturday.
There have been gestures of support for Ukraine before kick-off at Premier League games, and Burnley's ground featured the slogan "Football Stands Together" and the Ukrainian flag on a large screen.
Abramovich announced on Wednesday that he was putting the club up for sale amid growing calls in Britain for him to face sanctions following Russia's invasion of its neighbor.
While fans around the stadium, including the visiting Chelsea supporters, stood and applauded as the players stood for a minute before kick-off, Chelsea fans began chanting their owners' name, with Burnley fans booing in response.
Chelsea Fans Chant Abramovich's Name
Chelsea's away support sing Roman Abramovich's name during a minute's applause for the people of Ukraine
Do better. pic.twitter.com/meYHukKaKe— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) March 5, 2022
Minutes applause in solidarity with Ukraine at Turf Moor - Chelsea fans chant 'Roman Abramovich' over the top of it.
— Simon Evans (@sgevans) March 5, 2022
Pretty disgusting from Chelsea fans as they chant Roman Abramovich's name during the show of respect for Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/lG7u058nw4
— Graeme Bailey (@GraemeBailey) March 5, 2022
Abramovich took over Chelsea in 2003, and his ownership has seen the most successful years the club has enjoyed.
The Russian has told his aides to set up a charitable foundation to benefit "all victims of the war in Ukraine" which would receive all net proceeds from the sale.
(Reporting by Simon Evans; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
