Govt tells Chelsea fans to stop chanting Abramovich’s name

Chelsea fans must stop the “completely inappropriate” chanting of Russian owner Roman Abramovich’s name, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s spokesman said on Monday.

Blues supporters again expressed their backing for Abramovich during Sunday’s home victory against Newcastle, after he was sanctioned by the British government last week as part of its response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

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The billionaire, described by the UK government as part of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s inner circle, has brought unprecedented success to Chelsea since he bought the club in 2003.

But Johnson’s spokesman said it was time for the chanting to stop.