Chelsea manager Emma Hayes has recalled the 'frightening' experience she had as a child when a family member fled an abusive relationship.

The Blues boss was speaking after Chelsea announced they would match the total donations over the next six weeks to domestic violence charity Refuge.

"We could all cite a friend or family member in our lives subjected to domestic abuse," she added. "I know from direct experience. A family member and her children didn’t have a safe place, and they came to our house.

"I remember that so well growing up, and how scary that was for everyone involved. She was very scared she was going to be followed to our home, and we were all frightened that we would be reprimanded for it.

"I have horrible memories of that as a child. I was nine. She came with her children to stay with us for a while, almost in hiding. I remember feeling every day going out to play that 'I hope he doesn’t come and get her, is he going to get us?' That was scary."

Hayes hailed the gesture by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich - who has already made his hotel at Stamford Bridge available to NHS staff - saying it made her 'proud' to be a part of the club.

Speaking to the club website, she said: "Our owner Mr Abramovich is amazing, not just in being a fantastic supporter of our team, but something like this shows he is behind the right campaigns, asking myself and the team to be directly involved.

"This campaign matters to us all at Chelsea and makes me extremely proud to be part of our organisation. In times of need, our club do a wonderful job to represent those who are less fortunate. That is something that Mr Abramovich and the club do extremely well."