Ricketts family reject hate in ‘strongest possible terms’ amid Chelsea fans’ fears

The Ricketts family have rejected all hate ‘in the strongest possible terms’ amid supporter unrest at the Chicago Cubs’ candidacy to buy Chelsea.

Chelsea fans had the hashtag ‘NoToRicketts’ trending on Twitter, with supporters raising concerns with the club and online.

Family patriarch Joe Ricketts was accused of Islamophobia in 2019, after a string of emails were leaked. But the Ricketts family have now moved to insist they do not accept any kind of racism or hatred, in a bid to prove their suitability to take over Chelsea from Roman Abramovich.

Joe Ricketts is not involved in the Ricketts family bid, with the candidacy led by Chicago Cubs chairman Tom.

‘Our family rejects any form of hate in the strongest possible terms,’ said the Ricketts family. 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.’

Joe Ricketts described Muslims as ‘my enemy’ in an email exchange three years ago. Ricketts Senior later apologised for the comments, while his son Tom distanced himself from his father’s assertions.

‘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.’

Tom Ricketts insisted at the time, separately: ‘My father is not involved with the operation of the Chicago Cubs in any way’.

The Premier