CHELSEA showed their support for Ukraine ahead of their clash with Liverpool today – despite their Russian links.
The Blues took on their Premier League rivals in front of a sold out crowd at Wembley this afternoon.
Wembley shows it's support to the people of Ukraine pic.twitter.com/jjm5Oy2Dqv
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) February 27, 2022
Several flags were on display in all areas of Wembley
Jordan Henderson and Cesar Azpilicueta carried yellow and blue wreaths onto the pitch
Chelsea fans held aloft prints of the Ukraine flag adorned with the club badge
Liverpool fans show solidarity with Ukraine
The EFL broadcast support for Ukraine from the football community
The match comes less than a day after Russian owner Roman Abramovich gave up control of the club.
He released an astonishing 110-word statement last night, handing up stewardship to six trustees.
And despite the oligarch’s links to Russian president Vladimir Putin, Chelsea made a defiant stand against the ongoing war.
Both sets of players and supporters performed a minute’s applause for Ukraine which was impeccably observed by fans, with ‘You’ll Never Walk Along’ ringing out from the Liverpool end.
Blues captain Cesar Azpilicueta and his counterpart Jordan Henderson carried out wreaths of yellow and blue flowers onto the Wembley pitch and the two teams became one to pose for a pre-match photo.
Fans posted up outside the stadium handed out prints of Chelsea-crested Ukraine flags which were held aloft before kick-off.
And the Wembley screens showed a Ukraine flag emblazoned with the words: “Football stands together.”
Abramovich bought Chelsea in 2003, and has turned them into one of the most successful clubs in the world.
He has now passed on the reigns of the club to six new rulers of the Stamford Bridge club.
They include chairman Bruce Buck, Blues’ women’s boss Emma Hayes, head of the National Lottery Sir Hugh Robertson and Piara Powar.
Lawyer John Devine and Paul Ramos, director of finance, make up the stewards taking the club forward.
His statement read last night: “During my nearly 20-year ownership of Chelsea FC, I have always viewed my role as a custodian of the Club, whose job it is ensuring that we are as successful as we can be today, as well as build for the future, while also playing a positive role in our communities.
“I have always taken decisions with the Club’s best interest at heart. I remain committed to these values.
“That is why I am today giving trustees of Chelsea’s charitable Foundation the stewardship and care of Chelsea FC.
“I believe that currently they are in the best position to look after the interests of the Club, players, staff, and fans.”
Some Chelsea fans handed out prints of the Ukraine flag outside the ground
