Blues call foul on Morata chant
CHELSEA have ordered their fans to stop singing a new song about striker Alvaro Morata because it is anti-Semitic.
Morata, the club’s £70.6million record signing from Real Madrid, scored his third goal in as many games as the champions won 2-1 at Leicester yesterday, but the terrace chant which taunted London rivals Tottenham caused a storm.
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is the chairman of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia and his club moved swiftly to make their feelings known.
A Chelsea spokesman said: ‘The club and the players appreciate the fans’ passionate support but the language in that song is not acceptable.
‘Alvaro does not want to be connected with that particular song in any way and both the player and club request the supporters stop singing it with immediate effect.’
Chelsea take on FK Qarabag in their opening Group C match on Tuesday night at Stamford Bridge minus controversial striker Diego Costa, who has not been included in their Champions League squad.
The 28-year-old striker has not played for the Blues this season, and spent much of August in his native Brazil.
Costa said he wanted to rejoin Atletico Madrid, and that Chelsea were treating him like ‘a criminal’ by demanding an ‘impossible fee’.
Meanwhile, Manchester United named Zlatan Ibrahimovic in their Champions League squad, though he is not expected to return from injury before December.
The 35-year-old former Sweden striker made 46 appearances and scored 28 goals for United last season, and re-signed on a one-year contract in August.
Also included is striker James Wilson, 21, who has not played a firstteam game since October 2016 when he was on loan at Derby and was not allocated a squad number at the start of the Premier League season, but has now been given No29.
United face Swiss side FC Basle at home in Group A on Tuesday.
Liverpool, minus injured Nathaniel Clyne, have an intriguing first encounter with Sevilla on Wednesday, while Tottenham have a testing match-up with Borussia Dortmund at Wembley.