Chelsea lash fans after Hillsborough snub

Chelsea lashed out at fans who embarrassed the Premier League club by disrupting the minute's silence to mark the anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster ahead of Sunday's FA Cup semi-final with Tottenham.

Sections of the Chelsea support jeered and chanted as the two teams stood solemnly around the centre circle at Wembley to honour the victims of the 1989 disaster which claimed the lives of 96 Liverpool fans.

Referee Martin Atkinson eventually cut short the minute as the noise from the Chelsea end continued.

"Chelsea Football Club is extremely disappointed that a very small minority of fans embarrassed the club today by not honouring the moment's silence before kick-off," Chelsea said in a statement.

"Chelsea FC believes all moments of respect should be honoured and today we pay our full respects to all those that suffered as a result of the Hillsborough disaster 23 years ago."

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo also voiced his dismay.

"We are extremely disappointed that a minority or just a few fans decided to speak or sing during the minute's silence," Di Matteo said.

Chelsea beat Tottenham 5-1 to set up a final next month against Liverpool.