Gary Lineker slams Chelsea after they backtrack on 'embarrassing' FA Cup ticket request

Gary Lineker has become the latest high-profile figure to call into question Chelsea's decision to request their FA Cup quarter-final with Middlesbrough be played behind closed doors.

The Blues made the request to the FA on Tuesday afternoon, writing in a statement that they felt Chelsea fans being unable to purchase tickets could risk the "sporting integrity" of the fixture. They have since performed a U-turn on the decision and withdrawn their request.

Since Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government last week, Chelsea have been unable to sell tickets for matches, meaning only a handful of away fans will be able to make the trip on Saturday evening. The club are continuing to explore ways that will allow supporters to buy tickets going forward.

In a statement from the FA, shared on both Middlesbrough and Chelsea's official websites, they confirmed the withdrawal of the much-maligned request: "After constructive talks between The FA and Chelsea, the club has agreed to remove their request for the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final tie against Middlesbrough to be played behind closed doors.

"The FA remains in ongoing discussions with Chelsea, the Premier League and the Government to find a solution that would enable both Chelsea fans to attend games and away fans to attend Stamford Bridge, whilst ensuring sanctions are respected."

But in many people's eyes, the damage was already done. Former Chelsea defender Graeme Le Saux was one of the first to speak out against the decision, writing on Twitter: "I can’t think of a more embarrassing statement to come out of the club that I played for for 12yrs. Either ignorant or arrogant. I am confident it doesn’t represent the feelings of the coaching and playing staff."