Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich ‘appalled’ by racist abuse directed at Reece James

The Russian owner, who has written to every player, has also vowed more funds to continue the club’s anti-racism efforts

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Roman Abramovich has personally written to every Chelsea player to express how “appalled” he is at the racist abuse directed at Reece James and vowed to pledge more funds to tackle racism.

Last week, James posted a screen shot of the abuse he had received on Instagram with the caption: “No room for racism.”

Chelsea quickly condemned the “hateful” abuse, which came after Manchester United branded those who racially abused Anthony Martial and Axel Tuanzebe as “mindless idiots”.

And Abramovich has now contacted the squad to offer both his own and the club’s “absolute support”.

READ MORE: Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich reveals motivation to fight antisemitism as Blues mark Holocaust Memorial Day

“I am appalled by the racist abuse targeted at Reece on social media,” Abramovich wrote in a letter revealed by the Mail. “Racism has no place in our club nor in our society.

“Our club is committed to fighting racism, antisemitism and all forms of discrimination. I want you to know that as players you all have my and the club’s absolute support.

“The racist abuse targeted at Reece follows a number of recent incidents and I know that several of our players have been 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.

“We cannot allow this to continue unchecked. I have therefore 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.

“I want Chelsea to do more to challenge discrimination at our club, in our communities and in the world around us. Rest assured that we will play a leading role in this vital work and demonstrate that football is a sport that is open to all.”