British Government Accused Of 'Going After' Manchester City Owners After Roman Abramovich

The UK Government have been accused of 'going after' Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour, after he met with Syrian president Bashar al-Assad.

Roman Abramovich's link with Vladimir Putin, which the 55-year-old has constantly denied, put him front and centre of the UK government's mind weeks ago.

As soon as Putin started his invasion of Ukraine, Chris Bryant MP was calling for sanctions for the billionaire owner of Chelsea, which eventually came weeks after.

The government are now involved in the sale of the Blues, although Abramovich could still reportedly refuse to sell to any potential buyers from the UK or America.

Now the government have criticised City owner Mansour, with Spanish outlet AS claiming that they're 'going after' the United Arab Emirates, minister of presidential affairs.

Mansour recently met with Al-Assad during the latter's first trip to the UAE, since the Syrian civil war began 11 years ago, and he's been criticised for the meeting.

"It is the UK's firm belief that - in the absence of a change in behaviour by the Syrian regime - strengthening ties undermines the prospect of a lasting and inclusive peace in Syria," a statement by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, told the Athletic.

Mansour taking in a City game. Image: PA Images

Bryant, who was the first MP to speak out about Abramovich, has also added his voice to the criticism, bringing in to question Mansour's rights to own a Premier League club.

The MP for Rhondda, and chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Russia, questioned if Mansour was a 'fit and proper person,' using the name of the test the Football Association and Premier League have for new owners.

He added that it would be 'good to see the back' of the City owner, who bought the club in 2008 and has brought with him an incredible period of success for the team.

Speaking to the Telegraph, Bryant added, "What is it that people don’t get? There’s been a form of barbarous, sustained murder going on in Syria, run jointly by Assad, and now Putin is doing exactly the same in a barbaric war of aggression against innocent sovereign Ukraine.

"And some people want to meet up with the bully boys?"

Bryant was the first MP to talk about Abramovich. Image: PA Images

Even the Prime Minister has got involved over the issues with Chelsea in recent weeks, with Boris Johnson calling on Blues fans to stop chanting Abramovich's name.

Topics: Manchester City, Premier League, Chelsea, Roman Abramovich

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a journalist for SPORTbible with over eight years of experience. Passionate about all sports, he mainly covers football and F1 - Daniel Ricciardo once spent an entire interview referring to him as 'Ryan Gosling,' still his proudest moment.

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