Hamilton Chelsea bid involvement slated as "disrespectful"

Hamilton in Australia — Photo: © LAT Images

Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton Chelsea bid involvement slated as "disrespectful"

The Mercedes driver threw his hat into the ownership race last week

Ewan Gale

Tuesday 26 April 2022 18:15 Updated: 15:04

Former Chelsea winger Paul Canoville has questioned Lewis Hamilton's involvement in a bid to take over the English Premier League team and suggested his part in driving inclusion at the club is "disrespectful".

The seven-time champion confirmed his involvement with a consortium of investors spearheaded by former British Airways chairman Sir Michael Broughton ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, pledging a reported £10million to the cause.

Friend and tennis star Serena Williams is also on board in addition to Olympic legend Sebastian Coe amongst others.

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Hamilton's involvement piqued interest given his long-term support for Chelsea's London rivals Arsenal, with the Mercedes driver claiming he was forced into supporting the team by his sister when speaking at Imola.

The Broughton-led bid is one of three under consideration to take over ownership of the club that has been left by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, who ceded control in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine.

Canoville, who was the first black player to take to the pitch for Chelsea, praised both Hamilton and Williams for their efforts to increase diversity in sport but is doubtful of their impact as part of the club's ownership team.

"Don't anyone get me wrong, I am a huge fan of both Serena and Lewis," Canoville wrote on Twitter.

"Both Williams sisters have been phenomenal achievers and proud advocates of civil rights issues. Ticks a big box with me personally, of course.

"As far as playing a role in developing anti-racism, diversity and inclusion programmes for Chelsea though; I feel this is disrespectful of our own supporter base."

Hamilton loyalty questioned

Hamilton's loyalty was brought into question by his title rival from last season, Max Verstappen when the Dutchman was asked for his thoughts on the prospective deal.

Taking the same angle against both Hamilton and Williams, Canoville explained: "Serena is on record as saying she supports Real Madrid and while I know Lewis has now suggested he was bullied into supporting Arsenal by his sister, he is an Arsenal fan and that's a fact.

"I will always support Lewis Hamilton in everything he does in F1, he is the greatest driver ever in my opinion and as with Serena, she is a phenomenal icon for black achievement and civil rights.

"With football though, I think he should stay loyal to his own team."