Chelsea fans have announced plans to protest against potential new owner Tom Ricketts at Stamford Bridge this Saturday. 'We Are The Shed', one of Chelsea's largest fan groups, released a statement on Twitter on Wednesday night, urging supporters to use this weekend's west London derby with Brentford to make their feelings about the Ricketts family clear.
The family has come under huge scrutiny after leaked historic emails from Tom's father, Joe, appeared to promote Islamophobic messages. A spokesperson for the family recently stated they reject hate speech of any form. "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 all the Muslim community in Chicago, as well as with all communities of colour," they said.
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"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."
The statement was in direct response to the #NoToRicketts campaign, which gained huge traction amongst Blues fans. Now, We Are The Shed are looking to actively protest the family's bid to takeover the club by sending a clear message on Saturday.
Their statement read: “There is a lot of noise around the Ricketts family and about protesting their potential ownership of Chelsea. We feel just as strongly as many others about the Ricketts family from what we have heard and read thus far. To be clear, we do not want anyone associated with racism, homophobia, Islamophobia, sexism or any other bigoted views towards ethnic minorities, marginalised communities or the LGBTQ+ community to run our Club.
"However, there is a lot of misinformation flying around at the moment. Because of that, we wanted to be careful and measured in how we protest rather than shouting just because we can/have a platform.
"It is clear members of the Ricketts family have made statements expressing these views, and both supported and financially contributed to candidates, as well as causes actively advocating for them.
"The message we want to send directly to Tom Ricketts, members of his family, and Ken Griffin is clear: "DISTANCE YOURSELVES FROM BIGOTS OR DISTANCE YOURSELVES FROM CHELSEA!"
We Are The Shed continued by urging anyone who has an issue with the Ricketts family's bid to bring banners to Stamford Bridge: “We urge anyone who takes issue with the Ricketts family’s bid for Chelsea to bring their own homemade banners, big or small, to Stamford Bridge on Saturday vs Brentford and hold them up as the team enter the pitch," the statement added.
"This is not an attack on the team but it is very likely the Ricketts family will be watching, and it is the easiest time to coordinate everyone and get TV/film coverage.
"If the Ricketts family can state to Chelsea supporters that their family trust will not be involved in the purchase of Chelsea; that Joe, Pete and Todd Ricketts will have no current/future role at the club; that those who will be involved completely condemn those words, views and actions, collectively Chelsea supporters can regroup and re-evaluate their candidacy as potential owners.
"We are not saying the above under the guise of speaking for all Chelsea supporters, but if you agree, get to making those banners, making your voice heard, and protecting what we love so dear. We ask that these actions do not disrupt the players nor Saturday's match, as they do not deserve to be affected."
