Ricketts family condemn hate as Chelsea fans raise racism concerns amid ownership bid
- Seb Sternik
- 23 March 2022
Prospective Chelsea buyers, the Ricketts family, have rejected all hate ‘in the strongest possible terms’ after facing online criticism over previous accusations of Islamophobia.
The hashtag #NoToRicketts was trending on social media after Chelsea supporters shared their concerns about their potential new owners.
Joe Ricketts, who is part of the family but not involved with the ongoing bid to buy the Premier League outfit, was accused of Islamophobia in 2019 after a string of emails were leaked.
In one of the email exchanges, the 80-year-old businessman described Muslims as "my enemy" - something he would later apologise for.
"I deeply regret and apologise for some of the exchanges I had in my emails," said Joe Ricketts.
"Sometimes I received 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."
Cubs owner Joe Ricketts: "Muslims are my enemy" https://t.co/ApTKEJQK2j pic.twitter.com/n05anJXcfr
— Kim Janssen (@kimjnews) February 4, 2019
Following the resurfacing of the story, the Ricketts family released a statement, condemning hate, racism and hatred saying: "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. If we prevail in our bid for Chelsea, we commit to the club and to the fans that we will actively promote these values."
Chicago Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts
The family hopes the statement can allay concerns about their ongoing bid, with the Chelsea suitors expected to travel to London in order to further explain their vision for the club.
The Ricketts believe that their experience with the Chicago Cubs puts them in a unique position in the race to buy the Stamford Bridge club.
Current Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich put the club up for sale on March 2 and is understood to have already received a number of big offers.
