Chelsea played host to Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon, looking to end the Magpies’ 10-game unbeaten run.
The game itself was not the most entertaining with neither outfit creating an awful lot.
In the end, though, a great ball from Jorginho and a lapse in concentration from Dan Brun allowed Kai Havertz to net Chelsea a later winner:
Why Roman Abramovich banner remained at Stamford Bridge vs Newcastle
Ahead of the game, it was noted that a Chelsea banner showing support for their current owner, Roman Abramovich, was still on display:
Given that last week Abramovich was placed under sanctions by the UK government for being “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”, having that banner remain up seemed in bad taste.
Now though, football.london have explained why the banner remained on display.
They report that at least one prominent Chelsea supporters group requested the removal of the Roman Empire banner that remained in place for yesterday's win over Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge, but its non-removal was a result of resources being stretched at the end of an unprecedented week of upheaval for the club.
It is expected it will be removed before Chelsea’s next home game on April 2nd.
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