ROMAN ABRAMOVICH made a rare appearance in the stands to watch his Chelsea thrash Krasnador in the Champions League.
It was the first time the Blues owner, worth an estimated £9.8billion, watched Chelsea in the flesh for 15 months.
Roman Abramovich watched Chelsea for the first time in 15 monthsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
His last visit came in a friendly against Red Bull Salzburg in July 2019.
But there is a very good reason why Abramovich has become a stranger to Chelsea matches.
Problems with his visa have meant the 54-year-old has been unable to enter the UK.
He was forced to withdraw his application in 2018 due to increasing tensions between the two countries.
Abramovich’s close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin also came under scrutiny when applying for his visa.
He then applied to become an Israeli citizen but still found his entry to the country blocked.
UK immigration law prevents business visitors from living “in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits”.
But there was nothing stopping him from attending the 4-0 win over Krasnador in Russia.
NINTCHDBPICT000498364430-1Credit: AP:Associated Press
And boss Frank Lampard hopes he sent him away happy after the victory.
He said: “I was aware that he was at the game obviously, which always makes us happy.
“I always feel the support of the owner at the club, whether he’s here at games or not.
“To have him here is a nice bonus for myself, for the squad, and we’re very respectful of him of course.
“I didn’t manage to see him because before the game I was in the dressing room.
“A couple of my staff members spoke to him. By the time I came out for the warm-up, he wasn’t around.
“I’m very pleased we put on what we thought was a good performance – four goals and a clean sheet in his home country – so I hope it made him happy.”
Frank Lampard ‘hopes he made Roman Abramovich happy’ as owner sees first match in 18 months as Chelsea down Krasnodar
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
