Thomas Tuchel claims he is ‘worried’ about the priorities of the government after Boris Johnson’s spokesperson told fans to stop ‘inappropriate’ chanting for Abramovich.
Fans have sung the Russian’s name since he put Chelsea up for sale and they were criticised for doing so during a minute’s tribute to the victims of the invasion in Ukraine ahead of their clash with Burnley this month.
The chanting was condemned by the government, with a spokesperson for Johnson describing the songs as inappropriate.
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‘We recognise the strength of feeling around people’s clubs but that does not excuse behaviour which is completely inappropriate at this time,’ the spokesman said.
‘I think people can show passion and support for their club without resorting to that sort of stuff.’
Tuchel was asked about those comments on Tuesday ahead of his team’s UEFA Champions League last-16 clash against Lille on Wednesday.
The German coach has fielded constant questions about Chelsea’s ownership in recent weeks, as well as questions about the war in Ukraine.
And Tuchel says the government has wrong priorities if it is more concerned with chants for Abramovich – who has been sanctioned and is selling the London club – than other issues at this moment.
‘I heard about it some minutes ago,’ said Tuchel. ‘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.’
