Middlesbrough have launched a strong assertion in response to Chelsea’s request to have Saturday’s sixth spherical of the FA Cup performed behind closed doorways, whereas chairman Steve Gibson has branded the Blues a “rotten football club”.
The Blues haven’t been capable of promote tickets to any future matches since sanctions had been imposed on proprietor Roman Abramovich on Thursday, the place the membership operates beneath a particular license from the British authorities.
Chelsea had been locked in talks with the federal government about adjustments to this license however couldn’t attain an settlement earlier than the deadline for ticket gross sales.
They responded by posting an announcement revealing {that a} request had been made to play the sport at Riverside Stadium behind closed doorways for “sporting integrity reasons”.
The assertion was met with widespread ridicule and Middlesbrough has not kindly accepted the request.
“We are aware of Chelsea’s request to have Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup match in the sixth round played behind closed doors and think that their proposal is both bizarre and without any merit. Everyone involved is well aware of the reasons why Chelsea have been sanctioned and “this has nothing to do with” do with Middlesbrough Football Club “, the assertion learn.
“Proposing as a result that MFC and our fans should be punished is not only grossly unfair but without any basis.
“Given the explanations for these sanctions, it is incredibly ironic that Chelsea are making an attempt to invoke sporting ‘integrity’ as a cause for the match being performed behind closed doorways.
“We are currently awaiting a formal announcement from the FA on the next step but rest assured that the MFC will strongly oppose Chelsea’s actions.”
Meanwhile, Boro President Gibson has described his outrage over Chelsea’s frivolous request.
“The words ‘sporting integrity’ and Chelsea do not belong in the same sense. For 19 years, money has driven the success of Chelsea Football Club,” Gibson advised the Telegraph.
“Our fans, our club, our players and our manager have not done anything wrong. If Chelsea were to succeed and the match is played behind closed doors, does that mean all Premier League matches must be played behind closed doors? And all the Champions League games?
“And for what cause? Because of their house owners, all of us should undergo.
“This has to be kicked out and [Chelsea chairman] Bruce Buck should be kicked out. “
