The Ricketts family is the frontrunner in the bid to take over Chelsea have released a statement following backlash on Twitter by Chelsea fans.
Following a statement released by Brian Wolff, the head of the Chelsea Chicago Supporter’s Club and a Cubs season ticket holder, describing the Ricketts family takeover as disastrous for the club. This sparked a strong Twitter campaign with the hashtag ‘NoToRicketts’.
Their 80 years old father, Joe Ricketts in a leaked email in 2012 was caught making controversial comments about race, including saying, Muslims are my enemy,” referring to Islam as a “cult,” and laughing at racist jokes.
Ricketts Senior later apologized for the comments, while his son Tom distanced himself from his father’s assertions.
“I deeply regret and apologize for some of the exchanges I had in my emails,” said Joe Ricketts. “Sometimes I receive 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.”
Tom Ricketts insisted at the time, separately: “My father is not involved with the operation of the Chicago Cubs in any way
The Ricketts family released a statement Assuring Chelsea Fans of their support and commitment to keeping the club’s value.
They said, “Our family rejects in the strongest terms any form of hatred.Racism and Islamophobia have no place in our society.We have developed deep and strong partnerships with the Muslim community in Chicago, as well as with all communities of colour.””
“Respect for diversity and inclusion is central to our family values.If we win our bid for Chelsea, we commit ourselves to the club and the fans to actively promote these values.”
