Fan's view
BLUE-HOO-HOO
Chelsea fans have no links to Vladimir Putin and we shouldn’t be punished just because Roman Abramovich does
AS Chelsea fans right now, the last couple of weeks have been unprecedented.
But within the last few hours, things have been completely turned upside down.
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Just as we were all discussing and pondering potential new owners, and what effect they might have on the club, news surfaced that the UK Government had sanctioned Roman Abramovich and frozen his assets.
Our world as we know it, as Blues fans, will never be the same again.
Of course, my immediate thoughts go right to those affected by the war in Ukraine right now and our 'problems' are nothing compared to their suffering.
The statement released by the UK Government is also pretty damning for Abramovich.
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It said: “Abramovich is associated with a person who is or has been involved in destabilising Ukraine and undermining and threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine, namely Vladimir Putin, with whom Abramovich has had a close relationship for decades.
"This association has included obtaining a financial benefit or other material benefit from Putin and the Government of Russia."
A 'close relationship with Putin' for decades is a dark read, and you can understand the actions here.
However, what I do not understand is that the rest of the Chelsea staff and fanbase getting punished as well. Surely there is another way?
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Britain's minister for sport Nadine Dorries said today: "The government will work with the league and clubs to keep football being played while ensuring sanctions hit those intended.
“Football clubs are cultural assets and the bedrock of our communities. We're committed to protecting them."
And I totally agree with this, but it doesn't appear to be happening right now.
Chelsea fans are unable to buy tickets to matches, the club shop has closed down today, and a number of other club operations have closed down, putting into doubt whether any of those particular employees will even be paid if they're not able to work.
At a time of uncertainty and rising costs of living, I don't really believe that it is fair to punish people like this for the actions of others. The unclear future will be worrying many.
It is the football club that is currently suffering
Simon Phillips
I feel it is having a negative knock-on effect to us as fans, the players, and the rest of the staff.
None of us have any affiliation to Putin, Russia, or even Roman Abramovich other than appreciating him as being a great owner of our football club and passionate Chelsea fan.
Some fans and certain staff at the club have supported Chelsea and worked here since before Abramovich was even known to us.
But it is the football club that is currently suffering, despite many of us agreeing there was probably a need for sanctions.
It comes as:
- LIVE: The very latest from Stamford Bridge
- Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is sanctioned by UK Government and BANNED from selling club
- Q&A: What does it all mean for The Blues?
- Club at threat of POINTS DEDUCTION
- Chelsea are banned from selling match tickets
- Club slapped with transfer ban and giving out contracts
- Tonight's game against Norwich is ON despite the drama
- Chelsea can only earn money from food and drink
- Strict travel budget means ban on private jets to away games
- FIVE players are now certain to leave in summer
The club will still be sold I suspect, but instead of any profits going to Abramovich, or to the charity he was going to be sending any profits to supporting victims of the war, there is now uncertainty as to where that money will go.
I truly hope it will still go to the charities looking after those suffering in the Ukraine, because that is where Abramovich said he was going to be sending the funds.
I don't personally fear for the future, I believe Chelsea will be fine and I believe new owners will come in, simply because common sense must prevail.
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Whatever it is that the government feel Abramovich is responsible for, whether that is just being guilty by association, or helping to fund a war, then they must only punish him and not us as fans, the players, or the staff.
It's difficult to truly know what is happening right now and it presents tough times for all, especially those at the wrong end of a war. The statements certainly paint a bleak picture for Abramovich, and for Chelsea.
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I just really do hope that common sense comes through here and the current employees of Chelsea are given some stability moving forward. After all, this is not on them.
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