Chelsea fans have been told not to sing Roman Abramovich’s name during pre-match tributes to Ukraine.
Thomas Tuchel criticised a section of away supporters who chanted the name of the Chelsea owner during a minute’s applause for Ukraine before the club’s 4-0 win at Burnley on Saturday.
Tuchel urged fans to “show respect” and the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust (CST) have echoed his view.
Chelsea face Norwich at Carrow Road on Thursday and a spokesperson for the Trust said: “Singing Mr Abramovich’s name at that time was clearly inappropriate. There is a time and a place for it.
“From minute one to 90 during the match is fine but not during the one minute marked as a tribute to the people of Ukraine.
“With Norwich, we hope supporters take on board the comments of the manager and respect the minute’s applause or silence.”
Abramovich has put Chelsea up for sale following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and amid calls from MPs for him to be sanctioned.
British property tycoon Nick Candy is considering a bid to buy Chelsea from Abramovich, with a redevelopment of Stamford Bridge central to his plans. The billionaire Chelsea fan is among a host of names to confirm interest in acquiring the European champions.
Abramovich is understood to be unconvinced by the US-Swiss consortium of Todd Boehly and Hansjorg Wyss, which has already tabled an official bid. New York Jets owner Robert “Woody” Johnson is preparing a bid, according to reports in America.
James Reuben, Josh Harris and a consortium from Saudi Arabia are all among a growing list of emerging contenders as the bidding process enters its final stages.
US bank Raine Group has instructed bidders to place official offers by March 15 – and the increasing interest is good news for Abramovich, who hoped to spark a bidding battle when confirming plans to sell last week.
