Ricketts family forced to release statement on Chelsea takeover bid and deny racism as ‘NoToRicketts’ trends on Twitter
THE RICKETTS family hoping to buy Chelsea have been forced to release a statement denying they are racist.
Chelsea fans reacted furiously when leaked emails from 2019 appeared to reveal prospective new owner Joe Ricketts saying "Muslims are my enemy".
As exposed by , the 80-year-old also wrote in 2019: "Christians and Jews can have a mutual respect for each other to create a civil society.
"As you know, Islam cannot do that. Therefore we cannot ever let Islam become a large part of our society.
"Muslims are naturally my (our) enemy due to their deep antagonism and bias against non-Muslims."
And amid the heavy backlash, the American family have tried to appease supporters with a brief comment.
They 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.
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"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 Ricketts family, who also own MLB franchise Chicago Cubs, submitted their bid to buy Chelsea before last Friday's deadline.
Joe's son Tom is leading the effort and is set for further talks with the Chelsea Supporters' Trust after already meeting with Chelsea and Fulham Conservative MP Greg Hands.
The Ricketts have been backed by US hedge fund manager Ken Griffin, who is worth an estimated £20billion, and are confident they will progress to the next stage of the process.
But Chelsea fans are campaigning against the Ricketts already.
The hashtag #NoToRicketts has been trending on Twitter as Blues and Cubs supporters united in condemning them over the racist comments and running of the baseball team.
As part of a lengthy open letter to all those involved in the sale of his beloved club, head of the Chelsea Chicago Supporters Club Brian Wolff, who also roots for the Cubs, pleaded for Ricketts' bid to be rejected.
He wrote: "As the Head of Chelsea Chicago Supporters Club, and the Chelsea Fans' Forum Overseas Representative, I've had a unique position hearing what supporters in Chicago and worldwide have said regarding the Ricketts family's bid for Chelsea.
"I can report the vast majority of opinion has been of universal disdain.
I urge you to reject their bid for ownership of Chelsea
Brian Wolff, Chelsea Chicago Supporters Club
"The Ricketts' political donations, fundraising and support for candidates who do not share the inclusive views of Chelsea Football Club and its supporters are wholly inconsistent with 19 years of fantastic work done by the club and the Chelsea Foundation, most notably as a leader in committing to a living wage and efforts to protect and promote equality for BAME and LGBTQ+ communities.
"Their ownership of Chicago Cubs baseball and redevelopment of Wrigley Field raises serious doubts whether they will build upon the club's success on the pitch, and also the continued existence of the Chelsea Pitch Owners and the goal to keep Chelsea Football Club playing at Stamford Bridge at our forever home.
"On behalf of countless supporters worldwide, I urge you to reject their bid for ownership of Chelsea Football Club in favour of others who will commit to not only building upon the last two decades of investment in players and infrastructure, but equally important, the investment in supporters and the values we hold dear."
The Chelsea Supporters Trust have also put out an open letter in which they state: "We want to do what we can to protect the club from falling into the wrong hands."
And Paul Canoville, Chelsea's first black player, also joined in the protests.
He wrote: "So I’ve seen and heard enough. I’m backing @ChelseaSTrust and saying a big fat anti racism NO to the Ricketts bid!!”
Elsewhere on Twitter, one said: "It's obvious isn't it? These people do not align with the values of our football club - no to bigotry, no to excluding or discriminating against anyone based on their race, religion, age, disability, gender or sexuality. Everyone is welcome at Chelsea."
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Another commented: "I love my club @ChelseaFC and it’s so important that the new owners respect not just the club, but the fans, peoples religions, colour of skin, and that’s why I am #NoToRicketts."
And a final user shared a photo of Muslim quartet Antonio Rudiger, Malang Sarr, N'Golo Kante and Hakim Ziyech, then added: "You look at this beautiful picture and the first thing that comes to your mind is say #NoToRicketts."
