The Ricketts family have released a statement insisting that they “reject any form of hate” as calls for them not to be considered as the next owners of Chelsea grow louder after a series of past comments were unearthed by supporters. Yesterday Paul Canoville, the club’s first black player, added to the backlash by saying on Twitter that he had “seen and heard enough” and was “saying a big fat anti racism no to the Ricketts bid”.
The Chicago Cubs owners are confident of making it on to the shortlist of prospective buyers and yesterday flew to London to meet with stakeholders, including the local MP Greg Hands and supporters’ groups. But an email exchange from 2019 in which Joe Ricketts, the family’s patriarch, wrote “Muslims are naturally my (our) enemy due to their deep antagonism and bias against non-Muslims” has caused deep consternation and criticism among supporters.
#NotoRicketts has been trending on social media and the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust has said that “that any new owner must share the inclusive values of Chelsea FC and its diverse fanbase”. Thomas Tuchel's first-team squad contains four Muslim players.
READ MORE: Live updates on race to become club's next owner
The Ricketts family say that Joe is not involved in the Chelsea bid and it is being led by his son Tom. But fans have pointed to other previous exchanges, including a series of leaked emails in 2018, and Facebook comments from another sibling, Todd, referring to Covid-19 as “the kung flu” in addition to remarks around “concentration camps”. The family’s close links to conservative politicians in America, including former president Donald Trump, has raised further questions.
In a letter addressed to the club’s board earlier this week, the head of Chelsea’s Chicago supporters’ club, Brian Wolff, said: “On behalf of countless supporters worldwide, I urge you to reject their bid for ownership of Chelsea Football Club in favour of others who will commit to not only building upon the last two decades of investment in players and infrastructure, but equally important - the investment in supporters and the values which we hold dear.”
The Ricketts are yet to be dissuaded from pursuing their bid to take over from Roman Abramovich despite the outcry and Raine Group, the New York bank overseeing the auction, are expected to provide an update on the process soon
“Our family rejects any form of hate in the strongest possible terms,” a family statement published on Wednesday morning read. “Racism and Islamophobia have no place whatsoever in our society. We have developed deep and abiding partnerships with the Muslim community in Chicago, as well as with other communities of colour.
“Respect for diversity and inclusion are central to our family’s values. If we prevail in our bid for Chelsea, we commit to the club and to the fans that we will actively promote these values.”
