Chelsea: Club’s charitable actions should not be overshadowed

Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi was arrested on Sunday morning before being release from custody on bail, but that shouldn’t overshadow the good the club has done.

The world is facing a strenuous time as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. England is one of the hardest-hit nations in the world. The Premier League and its clubs are doing a lot for the community during these worrying times, as well.

Chelsea, as always, is doing everything in the club’s rights to help the people in need. Despite Hudson-Odoi’s Sunday arrest, the bad press should not take focus away from the amazing things Chelsea has done during the pandemic.

The club has opened the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels at Stamford Bridge free to all NHS staff. They are also providing free meals to medical and charity workers. The Blues also opted not to put any staff on furlough—like some other clubs—and will not be urging players to take pay cuts. Chelsea is also paying the money back to fans for their expenses made for the matches which were canceled or postponed.

The players and staff are also doing their part. From Frank Lampard getting in touch with NHS doctors to Antonio Rudiger covering catering costs, they too are doing everything while following safety measures put forward by the club. Club staff members are also taking time to talk to fans about what they are all doing at these unusual times.

Mason Mount had violated lock-down rules earlier by playing football outside. He later apologized for his actions and even took the time to get in touch with a senior Chelsea fan. Roman Abramovich and his club are also raising awareness and funds for women and children experiencing domestic abuse during the pandemic.

Meanwhile, Hudson-Odoi was one of the first Premier League players to test positive for COVID-19. As such, the club provided him with all of the support he needed. The Blues have been very clear about the measures the players have to take at these times.

Even though no details has been confirmed surrounding the arrest, a player like Hudson-Odoi should have been more cautious not to put himself in a situation that led to this. The scrutiny and aftermath of Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish, and Mount’s violation of the lockdown rules were there to see in social media. There is no excuse for violating the rules.

Everything Chelsea has done as a club during these times could be overshadowed by his actions. Also, this situation could seriously impact Hudson-Odoi and his future. Even if he is not guilty, rival fans won’t stop talking about this during matches and on social media for years to come. It will take a lot of mental strength for him to overcome this.

Hudson-Odoi only just came back from a terrible injury. This will be sadly another setback in his Chelsea career. After the flirtation with Bayern Munich of last year, these latest developments will not sit well with the Chelsea hierarchy.