Pictured
'THE ROMAN EMPIRE'
Chelsea fans display Roman Abramovich flag at Stamford Bridge after Russian is sanctioned for Putin ties
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CHELSEA fans proudly displayed a banner in support of Roman Abramovich after the billionaire was slapped with sanctions by the UK government.
The oligarch was sanctioned over his close ties with Russian president Vladimir Putin, who ordered the invasion of Ukraine.
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Chelsea are now unable to sell tickets to matches, with only season ticket holders able to attend games at Stamford Bridge.
Abramovich is also banned from selling the club or any players, with the Russian unable to make any money from the club with his assets frozen.
The Blues are not allowed to flog any club merchandise or extend stars' contracts either, with only sales of food and drink in the stadium permitted.
With the club in disarray, fans have shown their support for Abramovich - who took over the club in 2003.
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One banner seen at Sunday's Premier League clash at home to Newcastle read 'The Roman Empire'.
The sign included a picture of Abramovich - well-liked by the Blues faithful - with the words set over the Russian flag.
Chelsea have also lost £170million in sponsorship deals involving Three and car manufacturer Hyundai.
Despite that, the Blues turned out in kits bearing BOTH companies' logos for the game against Newcastle.
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The club, however, were forced to change their team news posts on social media to omit their former sponsors' presence.
Ahead of Sunday's game, Chelsea fans arrived at Stamford Bridge clearly frustrated by the recent events involving their owner.
Some supporters could be seen with tape over kit sponsor Three's logo.
One fan showed off a sign which read: "Don't use Chelsea for your bulls*** politics. Forever Chelsea."
A fanzine also had Abramovich's face on the front of it, alongside captain Cesar Azpilicueta - one of many stars now set to leave the club on a free when their contracts expire this summer.
Elsewhere, former owner Ken Bates believes 'ordinary people' are being punished.
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