Chelsea have announced they are unable to sell tickets for Saturday's FA Cup clash against Middlesbrough after missing the deadline for allocation with discussions to amend their licence ongoing. As a result, the Blues have asked the FA board to ensure the tie is played behind closed doors for sporting integrity.
The FA will reject any such request, especially since close to 600 tickets had been sold to Chelsea fans before sanctions were imposed last week. Those supporters already in possession of a ticket will still be allowed to attend the game at the Riverside.
One source has said that the club may find much of the goodwill it has received in the past five days diminished following their request. All non-season ticket holding supporters, including opposition fans, will not be allowed to watch upcoming games at Stamford Bridge and if there is a supposed sporting integrity issue the door is now open for calls to make all the club's matches behind closed doors.
