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Post says sorry to Abramovich over Bates 'threat'

A regional daily has apologised to Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich after carrying a court report which falsely claimed he had threatened to kill his predecessor Ken Bates.

The Yorkshire Evening Post said it had paid “substantial damages” to the Russian billionaire, which he is planning to donate to charity.

Mr Bates, who is now chairman of Leeds United, sold Chelsea to Mr Abramovich in the summer of 2003.

The paper’s apology, which has appeared both in the paper and on its website, was worded as follows:

“In the Yorkshire Evening Post of 11 June, we reported that a court had been told that Roman Abramovich had threatened to kill Ken Bates.

“The allegations were repeated in our online articles.

“We now accept that such threats were not made and should not have been published in this manner.

“We wish to set the record straight.

“We apologise for any distress caused to Mr Abramovich and his family and as a mark of our regret, we have agreed to pay Mr Abramovich substantial damages which he will be donating to charity, as well as his legal costs.”