Thomas Tuchel's 'Evening Was Ruined' After Finding Out UEFA Ruling Following Champions League Win Over Lille

Thomas Tuchel told a journalist his "evening was ruined" after he found out a UEFA ruling will prevent Chelsea fans from being in attendance for their next Champions League home fixture.

On Wednesday night the holders progressed to this season's quarter finals after beating Lille 4-1 on aggregate.

The Blues were behind on the night when Burak Yilmaz put the Ligue One champions ahead with a penalty, but goals from Christian Pulisic and Cesar Azpilicueta secured comfortable passage into the next round.

With the situation at Chelsea up in the air at the moment, Tuchel was overjoyed with the victory and celebrated with fist pumps at the end of the game.

But in his press conference, the German coach was told of new sanctions imposed on the club because of owner Roman Abramovich's alleged association with Russian president Vladimir Putin.

The UK government seized all Abramovich's assets and as a result Chelsea are unable to make money from tickets or merchandise.

Under a general licence which does allow them to continue as a football club and pay players and staff, they cannot buy or sell players, or renew any contracts.

But strong EU restrictions have also been imposed and UEFA are lobbying to ban Chelsea fans from attending the quarter final at Stamford Bridge.

Tuchel was informed of the sanctions by a Sky Sports reporter, reacting by saying: "Thanks for ruining my evening. I was in such a good mood.

"Is it confirmed, yes? Then let's wait for the confirmation of the confirmation.

"Today I am happy that we are in the last eight, top again. There were a lot of things to overcome. [I am] so happy and so proud. Let's see.

"It's the first thing that I hear now. In three days we play Middlesbrough in the cup and we have a national break, then I think about a good answer."

The former Borussia Dortmund manager has received praise for the leadership displayed in trying times of late.

Chelsea had 2,600 fans at Lille's Stade Pierre Mauroy on Wednesday night but are unable to sell away tickets at the Riverside on Saturday.

The West London club had requested the game be moved behind closed doors "for matters of sporting integrity" but that was swiftly rejected and ultimately withdrawn.

Featured Image Credit: Image: Hayters

Topics: Chelsea, Lille, Champions League, UEFA, Thomas Tuchel

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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