Squads announced for charity friendly between Chelsea and New England Revolution

Three days after the conclusion of the 2018-19 Premier League season, Chelsea will travel to the USA for a charity match against the New England Revolution as part of a campaign to bring awareness and raise funds to help combat anti-Semitism and discrimination of all forms. The “Final Whistle of Hate” will take place at Foxborough on May 15.

As announced today, Chelsea are planning on bringing the full squad, who may yet have another match afterwards, the Europa League final, which is scheduled for May 29.

GOALKEEPERS: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Willy Caballero, Rob Green

DEFENDERS: Antonio Rüdiger, Andreas Christensen, Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Davide Zappacosta, Emerson Palmieri, Gary Cahill, Marcos Alonso, Ethan Ampadu

MIDFIELDERS: Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kanté, Ross Barkley, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Danny Drinkwater

FORWARDS: Eden Hazard, Gonzalo Higuaín, Olivier Giroud, Pedro, Willian

Match revenue will go towards several organisations fighting against the rising tide of hate and discrimination, including the World Jewish Congress, the Tree of Life synagogue, the Anti-Defamation League, and the Holocaust Educational Trust. Roman Abramovich and the Kraft family, owners of Chelsea and New England Revolution respectively, will each donate $1m to the cause as well.

“We are proud and excited to bring a strong team to Boston for the ‘Final Whistle on Hate’. Discrimination, and in particular anti-Semitism, is too common in society and our match against the New England Revolution will use the power of sport to promote tolerance and equality.”

“For many of us players, it will be our first time in Boston and we’re looking forward to seeing the city and playing in front of our loyal US fans.”

-César Azpilicueta: source: New England Revolution

The New England Revolution will be in the middle of their MLS season and will thus also have the full squad available.

GOALKEEPERS: Cody Cropper, Brad Knighton, Matt Turner

DEFENDERS: Jalil Anibaba, Brandon Bye, Edgar Castillo, Antonio Delamea, Andrew Farrell, Michael Mancienne, Gabriel Somi

MIDFIELDERS: Isaac Angking, Luis Caicedo, Scott Caldwell, Diego Fagundez, Nicolas Firmino, Carles Gil, Zachary Herivaux, DeJuan Jones, Cristian Penilla, Wilfried Zahibo

FORWARDS: Juan Agudelo, Tajon Buchanan, Teal Bunbury, Juan Fernando Caicedo, Justin Rennicks, Brian Wright

One familiar name there should be former Chelsea Young Player of the Year Michael Mancienne, who made 6 appearances for the first-team in 2008-09 amid loan spells to QPR and Wolves before leaving for the Bundesliga in 2011. He’s been with the Revolution since the summer of 2018, when he became the highest paid defender in MLS.

“We’re very much looking forward to welcoming Chelsea to Boston for the ‘Final Whistle on Hate’ match, and look forward to the test of playing against their very talented squad. We are thrilled to be unified with Chelsea in this effort to combat anti-Semitism and discrimination, and hope to bring together all types of people in support of this important cause.”

-Michael Mancienne; source: New England Revolution

As vile acts of discrimination, abuse, and hate appear ever more frequently all around the world (and not just in football), the need for proper action only increases. This match is just one of the many ways Chelsea can help bring awareness to these issues.

But taking action against hate should not stop there. If we care about upholding the best of human values, we should also get involved in our local and online communities and directly contribute to the fight against intolerance. IT is only by being proactive, willing to accept our differences and deconstruct old beliefs, that we can get on the path where discrimination and hate can be left in the past.