The Ricketts family have released a statement in response to the mounting opposition to their bid for Chelsea Football Club by the Blues fanbase.
Swathes of Chelsea fans and former players alike have voiced their concerns over the new potential owners amid concerns of previous racist views from Joe Ricketts, though their general ownership of Major League Baseball outfit the Chicago Cubs has also raised eyebrows. The sale of Chelsea is currently being overseen by American merchant bank the Raine Group alongside the UK Government.
They have received plenty of bids, including from consortiums led by Todd Boehly, Sir Martin Broughton and Saudi Media as well as efforts from British property tycoon Nick Candy and New York Jets owner Woody Johnson. However, the Ricketts family were long-viewed as the frontrunners until the offensive tweets resurfaced.
