Thomas Tuchel Hits Out At Boris Johnson's Spokesperson Over Roman Abramovich Chant
Thomas Tuchel has hit out at Boris Johnson after the Prime Minister's official spokesman told Chelsea fans to stop the 'completely inappropriate' Roman Abramovich chants.
Chelsea fans have backed their outgoing owner, singing his name at Norwich and again at home to Newcastle United amid his sanctions imposed by the UK government.
The Russian billionaire's assets were frozen - meaning the club is no longer able to sell new tickets, merchandise and negotiate new contracts with players.
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Johnson's spokesman condemned the chants sang by Chelsea supporters, calling it 'completely inappropriate'.
He said: "We recognise the strength of feeling around people's clubs but that does not excuse behaviour which is completely inappropriate at this time.
"I think people can show passion and support for their club without resorting to that sort of stuff."
The condemnation of Chelsea's chants expressed by the UK government has been questioned by Tuchel, who has urged them to shift their focus on more pressing matters.
Speaking ahead of his side's Champions League match against Lillie, he said: "I heard about it some minutes ago. I don't know if these are the most important subjects to be talked about in parliament.
"If they are being discussed in parliament, maybe we need to worry about the priorities of discussion."
🗣 "Maybe we need to worry about the priorities of discussions."
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 15, 2022
Thomas Tuchel has questioned the government's priorities after Chelsea fans were urged to stop chanting Roman Abramovich's name following his UK sanctions. pic.twitter.com/0XKTk8HTXv
The Blues resume their European campaign on Wednesday as they travel to France to face Lille in the second leg of their last-16 tie.
On the club's travel sanctions, the German boss added: "We want to find solutions, we want to play the match on Saturday as much as we want to play in the Champions League."
Chelsea head to Lille with a two-goal advantage, with a spot in the last eight up for grabs.
Topics: Chelsea, Thomas Tuchel, Football, Roman Abramovich
Nasir Jabbar