You have to wonder what it will take for the penny to drop among those who find scepticism about Roman Abramovich so objectionable and believe his sentimentality for their club transcends his own commercial gain.
Another week brings more proof to the contrary: Abramovich’s clash with a UK Government determined to ensure every penny of his £1.6billion loans to the club finds its way to those whose lives have been devastated by the Ukraine conflict. And to ensure not a penny reaches his children, via one of his maze of offshore trust funds.
Abramovich has become ‘more punchy’ in his demands, according to Government officials.