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.
Former Blues star and the first black player in the club's history Paul Canoville made his views clear on social media with a tweet that read: "So I've seen and heard enough. I'm backing @ChelseaSTrust and saying a big fat antiracism NO to the Ricketts bid!"
The backlash has clearly reached the Ricketts family, who have seen fit to release a statement despite the fact that Joe Ricketts is not actually involved in the attempted takeover of Chelsea. Their update said: "Our family rejects any form of hate in the strongest possible terms. 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 all 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."
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Joe Ricketts described Muslims as "my enemy" in alleged emails obtained by Splinter back in 2019. "I deeply regret and apologise for some of the exchanges I had in my emails," he said. "Sometimes I received emails that I should have condemned. Other times I've said things that don't reflect my value system. I strongly believe that bigoted ideas are wrong."
These alleged emails were sent between 2009 and 2013, with some sent to his son Pete Ricketts - the incumbent Governor of Nebraska who is a co-owner of the Chicago Cubs. In response to the emails coming to light, Tom Ricketts said at the time: "My father is not involved with the operation of the Chicago Cubs in any way".
There are reports that some sections of the Chelsea dressing room would feel uncomfortable were the Ricketts family to have their offer accepted and become the club's new owners. It is thought that Ricketts family are already on their way to London to try and thrash out a deal to secure their status as owners.
