Roman Abramovich pens letter to Chelsea squad after racist abuse of Reece James

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has offered his support to right-back Reece James, who was targeted by racist abuse on social media recently.

James warned fans that 'something needs to change' after being sent a flurry of racist messages towards the end of January, becoming one of several high-profile players to be targeted by racism in recent days.

Manchester United trio Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Axel Tuanzebe have also been victims, as have West Brom's Romaine Sawyers and fellow Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger, and Abramovich wrote a letter to his players telling them he had seen enough.

"I am appalled by the racist abuse targeted at Reece on social media," the owner wrote (via the Daily 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 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."

Chelsea are one of the more-vocal sides when it comes to tackling discrimination. Abramovich regularly leads campaigns against issues like antisemitism and homophobia, and the Chelsea owner added that he is prepared to bankroll another push to end racism.

"We cannot allow this to continue unchecked," he continued. "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 Football Club 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."

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