[SPORTS News] I’m appalled’ – Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich writes letter of support to his player Reece James after he was racially abused

Chelsea billionaire owner, Roman Abramovich has written a message of support to his player Reece James and the first-team players after the right-back was racially abused on social media.

 

The Russian, 54, who hardly makes public statements has made the rare move stating he will increase funding to help the club tackle racial discrimination.

James is one of several players to receive racist abuse on social media recently.

 

Last week, West Brom contacted the police over an alleged racist message sent to midfielder Romaine Sawyers.

Also Manchester United players Axel Tuanzebe, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial were also racially abused on social media after last Wednesday’s home defeat by Sheffield United.

 

Abrahomich is now throwing his weight behind his players.

“I am appalled by the racist abuse targeted at Reece on social media,” wrote Abramovich in the letter addressed to all Chelsea players.

“We cannot allow this to continue unchecked.”

Abramovich added: “I know that several of our players have been the targets of hate and discrimination on social media.

“It shocks me that only days after we commemorated Holocaust Memorial Day, we as a society do not seem to have learned the lessons of our shared past and the consequences that hate and discrimination can have.

“I have directed the board to further increase the club’s efforts in this area and I will personally direct more funds towards this important work. We will be setting out our actions as a club in the coming days.”