Ricketts family respond to Chelsea fans amid ownership protest

Between 50-100 Chelsea fans protested against the Ricketts family

Perspective Chelsea owner Tom Ricketts has reiterated his promise to put 'diversity and inclusion at the heart of the club' should the takeover bid fronted by his family be successful. It comes after between 50-100 Chelsea fans protested against the Ricketts family prior to Saturday’s Premier League game against Brentford at Stamford Bridge - with the #NoToRicketts campaign appearing to gather momentum. Last week, Tom Ricketts met with Paul Canoville - Chelsea's first black player - to apologise for father Joe Ricketts' historic Islamophobic comments. He also set out his plan for the club's future.  

The Ricketts family respond

The Ricketts family responded to the Chelsea supporters' protests, insisting that the aim is to put 'diversity and inclusion at the heart of the club'. The statement read: "Over the past fortnight, our bid team has met with several supporter groups to explain our vision for Chelsea Football Club. https://twitter.com/henrywinter/status/1510177524105502729 The rivals bidders for Chelsea, which includes LA Dodgers part-owner Todd Boehly and British businessman Jonathan Goldstein, Sir Martin Broughton and Lord Sebastian Coe and Boston Celtics co-owner Stephen Pagliuca, are expected to meet with Stamford Bridge club executives next week. It is also thought that the perspective owners might even get the chance to sit down with manager Thomas Tuchel. When asked on Friday if he would meet the bidders, Tuchel replied: "Im not sure if they want to and I’m not sure if I should.