Tom Ricketts declares ‘absolute commitment’ to diversity in bid to buy Chelsea

Tom Ricketts has declared an “absolute commitment” to diversity and inclusion in his family’s bid to buy Chelsea.

The Chicago Cubs co-chairman has responded directly to supporter unrest over the Ricketts family’s attempt to purchase the club.

Supporters organised a protest at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, while the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust had earlier revealed a lack of confidence in the Ricketts family’s candidacy to buy the Blues from Roman Abramovich.

Tom Ricketts confirmed meetings with Chelsea Supporters’ Trust, and pledged to sit down with more fans in a bid to prove his family’s suitability to take over at the west London club.

“Over the past fortnight, our bid team has met with several supporter groups to explain our vision for Chelsea Football Club,” said Tom Ricketts.

“In those meetings, and by letter to all groups, we have shared a set of specific commitments we will make to fans, if our bid is successful.

“We believe these are far-reaching and certainly include an absolute commitment on the part of the Ricketts family and the bid team to put diversity and inclusion at the heart of the club.

“We look forward to more meetings – including with the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust – over the coming days and to making a public reiteration of our values and commitments.”

The CST issued a statement on Saturday, insisting its membership “neither supports nor has confidence in” the Ricketts family’s bid.

The influential Chelsea fan group conducted a snap survey of members, with 77 per cent of those polled claiming not to support their offer.

The Chicago Cubs-owning Ricketts are among the final four bidders aiming to buy Chelsea from Abramovich.

Cubs chiefs and siblings Tom and Laura Ricketts front the family’s candidacy to