Middlesbrough react as Chelsea release club statement

Middlesbrough have released a statement via their official club website in which they call Chelsea’s efforts to play their FA Cup game away from fans as ‘bizarre.’

The two sides are set to meet up in what should be an interesting cup tie at the weekend, with the Blues flying high at the top of the Premier League and Chris Wilder’s side performing similarly well in the Championship this campaign.

However, with Chelsea having been sanctioned, they have now asked if the game could be played without any fans in attendance – and the second tier outfit have responded by claiming they will ‘resist Chelsea’s actions’ and do not want to take the chance for fans to attend away from the game.

Thomas Tuchel’s club played their last league game in front of fans against Newcastle but have today asked if it would be possible to have no fans in attendance for this fixture at the weekend against Boro.

It’s well-known that the club are unable to sell tickets and therefore might struggle as the season continues with fan attendance. However, the Championship side have now opposed this request and look likely to contest this – and will be hopeful that all fans are able to attend based on their stance.

Boro have slipped out of the play-off places in recent weeks but still remain in with a chance of a top six berth. With a break in Championship fixtures, they’ll be looking forward to a chance to test themselves against strong opposition in the cup this weekend – and will be hoping to have their fans in attendance to, much to the behest of Chelsea.

The club said: “We are aware of Chelsea’s request to have Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup sixth round tie played behind closed doors and find their suggestion both bizarre and without any merit