Todd Boehly blames Roman Abramovich for ‘tasteless’ moment in new Ted Lasso series

Boehly mentioned Abramovich in an apology tweet

Ted Lasso is a fictional sports comedy where Lasso – an American football manager – is recruited to take charge of fictional side AFC Richmond.

Now in it’s third series, the latest episode featured the return of Kent, who is based upon former Manchester United captain-turned pundit Roy Keane, to former side Chelsea, where he is idolised as a club legend.

After Kent walks out of the tunnel at Stamford Bridge the camera then pans to a banner dedicated to him which reads: “They don’t make them like Roy anymore” while the fans can be heard chanting: “He’s here, he’s there, he’s every-f***ing where, Roy Kent, Roy Kent.”

However it appears that the producers have doctored a banner which is spotted at Stamford Bridge in memorium to Wilkins, who died aged 61 in 2018 after suffering a cardiac arrest.

The former England international made over 200 appearances for Chelsea between 1973-1979 before going to work as an assistant manager for the likes of Luiz Felipe Scolari, Guus Hiddink and Carlo Ancelotti.

After he passed away, Chelsea unveiled a banner in honour of the club legend, it reads: “They don’t make them like Ray anymore.”

Fans of the two-time European champions vented their anger at the producers of the show, as well as Boehly, however the American pointed out during an apology tweet that a deal had been struck with Apple TV while Roman Abramovich was still the owner of the club.

A statement from the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust said: “RE: Ray Wilkins Banner This is a banner paid for by supporters to commemorate a Chelsea legend: Ray Wilkins. 

“Many supporters have seen this edit to be disrespectful, and we have expressed our disappointment to club officials. We expect that CFC will address this in due course.”

In a rare interaction on Twitter, he said: "We had nothing to do these arrangements. The deal w/ apple was struck in 1Q/22. We are sorry it affected so many and mostly we care about Ray and his family. We would also point out that none of the “Chelsea” players were actual Chelsea players. Hopefully, that was clear..."

Boehly is close to celebrating one year of ownership at Stamford Bridge.

Related links:

• Ted Lasso producers and Todd Boehly slammed after ‘tasteless’ moment in new series
• Marc Cucurella says he didn’t know who one of Chelsea’s signings were
• Mykhailo Mudryk likes Instagram post criticising Chelsea teammate