Chelsea fans' demands have been met as the Ricketts Family have pulled the plug on their Blues takeover bid one day after the deadline had passed by for the next phase of proceedings.
Tom Ricketts and co have faced much hostility in person and on social media from fans and pundits alike for past comments made by certain members, and even Thomas Tuchel had admitted before the Brentford that they had to face the consequences of their actions. However, after many online protests and even one in person that took place before the west London derby against Brentford, it seemed as though they were going to continue on with their bid as Ken Griffin and Dan Gilbert had joined forces with the Ricketts family in this bid.
Even Tuchel wasn't expecting any major news when he was asked about what he knew in his pre-match Crystal Palace press conference early on Friday afternoon. "To be honest, no. It is still a process. I heard talks are still ongoing with the government. I am still not involved, which I am glad about, I have to say, because we have a lot to focus on here," he said at Cobham.
READ MORE: Ricketts Family withdraw bid for Chelsea as takeover saga takes huge twist
"That is where our focus goes. Like I said with the first answer, I hope things will be sorted out as soon as possible to have clarity, but I understand it is not that easy." Fast forward a few hours and out of the blue, the Chicago Cubs owners have released a statement to explain that they have pulled out of the running.
The statement read: "The Ricketts-Griffin-Gilbert group has decided, after careful consideration, not to submit a final bid for Chelsea FC. In the process of finalising the proposal, it became increasingly clear that certain issues could not be addressed given the unusual dynamics around the sales process.
"We have great admiration for Chelsea FC and its fans and we wish the new owners well." It is a development that will delight a large majority of Chelsea fans and former Man United defender (and Salford City part-owner) Gary Neville, who had urged the consortium to withdraw their bid before the shortlist was released.
"I have to say, if I was the Ricketts family and I was getting that type of hostility on the way in... move away, move away," Neville said. "The fans are important. If you're the government, I don't know if it's the government who are in charge of the bid, or Bruce Buck, or the organisation appointed by Roman Abramovich - but I would say that we have to make sure that the biggest clubs in the country, we've seen here with the Glazer family, Mike Ashley at Newcastle, it drains the life. Not just out of the club, but out of the city and everyone watching. That cannot happen at football clubs.
"It's not just about best bids, it's about what the fans want. The Ricketts family are trying to reach out to Chelsea fans, but they do have some historic issues that need dealing with and explaining. At this moment in time, they are not being explained very well. In this current light, with what's happened with the Super League, Big picture, Derby, Bury, what's happened with all of these issues with Roman Abramovich and the links to Putin [something Abramovich has denied], we have to start bringing back some sort of moral compass in determining who owns a football club."
Chelsea fans, just like Neville, will be relieved and happy with this news which will come as a much needed lift after the valiant midweek loss in the Champions League at the hands of Real Madrid. Here is some of the best reaction to this news on social media.
Well known fan @matissearmani tweeted out his delight: 'THE RICKETTS FAMILY HAVE WITHDRAWN FROM THE PROCESS! WE WON, WE ACTUALLY WON! CHELSEA FANS WAKE UP FROM MADRID, YOU CUBS FANS STAY SAFE THO XO'
@alicfc2005 said: 'WE WON THE BATTLEEEE."
@PilbeamScotty stated: 'Only the Boehly offer is the one to take now so we must push this through as quick as we can.'
@ethanbrowny2012 reckons: 'The only thing Chelsea fans have taken a W with along with the super league.'
Chelsea fans- With the Ricketts now out of the race, who do you want to see out of the three remaining consortiums prevail as Roman Abramovich's successor? Is it Boehly's to lose now? Let us know your thoughts on this news in the comments section!
