Thomas Tuchel chastised Chelsea fans for singing owner Roman Abramovich’s name during a minute of applause for Ukraine prior to their 4-0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor.
Abramovich made the decision to sell the club in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and throughout the game, some Chelsea fans yelled Russian Abramovich’s name, which drew boos from Burnley fans.
“It’s not the moment to do this,” Chelsea manager Tuchel said.
“If we show solidarity we show solidarity and we should do it together.
“We take the knee together. If an important person from our club or another club unfortunately dies we have a minute of respect.
“It is not the moment to give other messages. It’s the moment to show respect. We want to do this. As a club, we need our fans to commit to this minute of applause.
“We do it for Ukraine and there is no second opinion about this situation. They have our thoughts and our support and we should stand together.”
Along with the pre-match applause, banners, cards, and pennants, television screens bearing the blue and yellow halves of the Ukrainian flag with the message ‘Football Unites’ were exhibited during Saturday’s Premier League games.
Abramovich, 55, is accused of having close links to Russian President Vladimir Putin, an allegation he denies.
