Bid Rickett’s family under fire from Chelsea supporters after Islamophobic comments exposed

The Ricketts family has “strongly” denied any hatred amid fan unrest over the Chicago Cubs’ bid to buy Chelsea.

helsea fans trended the hashtag ‘NoToRicketts’ on Twitter with fans voicing concerns at the club and online.

Family patriarch Joe Ricketts was accused of Islamophobia in 2019 after a series of emails were leaked.
But the Ricketts family have now insisted they do not accept any form of racism or hate in order to prove their suitability to take over from Roman Abramovich.

Joe Ricketts is not involved in the Ricketts family’s bid, with the candidacy being led by Chicago Cubs chairman Tom.
“Our family rejects hate in the strongest terms,” ​​the Ricketts family said.

“Racism and Islamophobia have no place in our society.

“We have developed deep and enduring partnerships with the Chicago Muslim community, as well as all communities of color.

“Respect for diversity and inclusion are core values ​​of our family. If we win our bid to join Chelsea, we will make a commitment to the club and to the fans that we will actively promote those values.”

Joe Ricketts described Muslims as “my enemy” in an email exchange three years ago.
Ricketts senior later apologized for the comments, while his son Tom distanced himself from his father’s claims.

“I deeply regret and apologize for some of the statements I had in my emails,” said Joe Ricketts.

“Sometimes I’ve received emails that I should have condemned. Other times I’ve said things that don’t reflect my value system. I firmly believe that bigoted ideas are wrong.”

Tom Ricketts separately insisted at the time, “My father is in no way involved in the running of the Chicago Cubs.”

Premier League club supporters have raised concerns about the Ricketts’ bid for Chelsea officials, while the Blues’ first black player Paul Canoville has been candid on social media.

The anti-racism activist tweeted, “I’ve seen and heard enough, I say a big bold anti-racism no to the Ricketts offer.”

The Ricketts family are hoping their testimony will allay some fears, but the Chelsea suitors are planning to fly to London soon to speak to fans and elaborate on their vision for the club.

The Ricketts believe their experience refurbishing the Cubs’ Wrigley Field, as well as running a successful global sports franchise, puts them in a unique position among Chelsea contenders.

Abramovich put Chelsea up for sale on March 2 amid Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

The Russian-Israeli billionaire is said to have already received several big offers for Chelsea within days of the Blues being officially put up for sale.

And that keen interest continues unabated despite the 55-year-old being sanctioned by the UK government on March 10.

Claiming to have proved Abramovich’s direct ties to Vladimir Putin, Downing Street imprisoned all his British assets except for Chelsea, with the Blues operating under strict government licence.

Abramovich cannot benefit from Chelsea’s sale but had already pledged to write off the club’s £1.5billion debt.
LA Dodgers partner Todd Boehly is among the frontrunners for Chelsea and the Ricketts remain confident in their offer.

Martin Broughton and Sebastian Coe have submitted another strong offer, with strong funding secured and both frontmen are proud of the submission.

The British real estate magnate Nick Candy has also pushed hard with his offer for the blues.

Saudi Media Group is another of the deals believed to have influence and Raine goes through the process quickly as Chelsea need a speedy transfer of ownership.

London-based global investment firm Centricus confirmed its bid to buy Chelsea with a consortium of four Blues supporters on Monday.