It may have been the return of Premier League football at Stamford Bridge, but that was far was far from the only concern in SW6 on Saturday afternoon.
The day might usually start with meeting friends for a commute or a drink or maybe even as late as waiting for the team news to arrive on your phone but Chelsea's supporters' trust set the tone with a morning update. They released a statement suggesting 72% of people they surveyed currently do not have confidence that the Ricketts family would run an inclusive and successful club, and 77% do not support the Ricketts family’s bid. Their message: "The CST does not currently believe it is in the best interests of our members for the Ricketts bid to succeed".
Then at 12pm at Stamford Gate a protest was underway. They were few in numbers as signs were raised to continue the #NotoRicketts campaign but they garnered attention. A simple message from those supporters too: "NO TO RICKETTS, NO TO RACISM BUCK OFF."
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Those fans were not without their critics but they achieved publicity as photographers, journalists and broadcasters made their way to the entrance and recorded the exploits of the day. There was plenty of colourful language and signage directed at Ricketts, who are one of four public contenders to buy Chelsea alongside groups led by Todd Boehly, Martin Broughton and Stephen Pagliuca.
Protest was the talk on the tube before the match, the talk on social media as combinations of cardboard, marker pens and Sellotape found their way to Chelsea's home. It resonated in some respects even if not to the ears of the Ricketts themselves or Raine Group. Nevertheless, it may be an obstacle they have to overcome.
Supporters' displeasure is not always a sign that a takeover will not progress, the Glazers are testament to that at Manchester United, but given the competition for the Blues, the Ricketts may be feeling a tad uneasy. Thus far it seems they intend to plough on however. Tom Ricketts' statement released ahead of kick-off showed no lack of confidence.
He said: "Over the past fortnight, our bid team has met with several supporter groups to explain our vision for Chelsea Football Club. In those meetings, and by letter to all groups, we have shared a set of specific commitments we will make to fans, if our bid is successful. We believe these are far-reaching and certainly include an absolute commitment on part of the Ricketts Family and the bid team to put diversity and inclusion at the heart of the club. We look forward to more meetings - including with the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust - over the coming days and to making a public reiteration of our values and commitments.”
There has been little forthcoming in the public sphere concerning plans around diversity, while there seems as much uncertainty around their bid as what Chelsea showed on the pitch against Brentford. Reports continue to emerge over the Ricketts' place within their collection, as Rock Entertainment Group, owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, appear to have been added, and the assertion that the family won't have a controlling stake already floating around. If true, questions will arise why the problematic family have been the face of the bid.
Throughout a tumultuous time for the club, the Blues have managed to show some outstanding form with Thomas Tuchel leading Chelsea to 12 wins in 13 matches ahead of the clash with the Bees. Home-made signs were present as the players walked out at Stamford Bridge, but the fervour of protest was quiet as the match got under way.
It was a flat performance that struggled to allow for any kind of atmosphere. Antonio Rudiger's strike and outstanding celebration threatened to liven the mood but Brentford had other ideas. The Bees stole the afternoon with a deserved win and left Arsenal with an opportunity to close to within three points of Chelsea in third, providing they beat Crystal Palace on Monday night.
The prospect of not finishing in the top four is not a worry yet, given the distance to the teams below the Gunners, but the connect between Brentford's fans, players and coaching staff at the final whistle offered a moment of pause.
The Hounslow side were truly united, and that comes down from the very top of the club. Matthew Beham's tenure has rooted a philosophy that earned the club Premier League football. For many years Chelsea have felt a similar connection in the club's ethos and that had only strengthened in Tuchel's time here. Nobody knows whether the next owner will reflect the hopes, dreams and values of supporters, however.
Real Madrid in the Champions League presents the Blues an opportunity to rubberstamp their quality and a return to form, as they did after an almost mirror-image defeat to West Brom last season. It will also provide a grander stage for any opposition to Ricketts to show their feelings in response to his latest statement. Today's match wasn't even televised in the UK, but with more planning and preparations and the entire world watching, there is an opportunity to make an emphatic statement on Wednesday night.
