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Chelsea legend Graeme Le Saux has slammed his former employers after they demanded Saturday's FA Cup game against Middlesbrough be played behind closed doors.

The Blues are not allowed to sell tickets for the away game after sanctions were placed on their owner Roman Abramovich. Chelsea asked for the tie to be played in front of no spectators "for matters of sporting integrity". Their request is expected to be rejected.

The UK government and others have slammed the Champions League holders for the request and Le Saux, who made more than 300 appearances for Chelsea across two spells, believes it is "either ignorant or arrogant".

"I can't think of a more embarrassing statement to come out of the club that I played for for 12 years," tweeted Le Saux. "[It's] either ignorant or arrogant. I am confident it doesn't represent the feelings of the coaching and playing staff."

Chelsea stunned the footballing world when they asked for the game to be played without fans, despite Middlesbrough having already sold thousands of tickets.

Abramovich was sanctioned following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has led to thousands of deaths in eastern Europe. The Russian oligarch is alleged to have ties with president Vladimir Putin, something he denies.

"We are disappointed to announce we will not be able to