Middlesbrough Chairman Unleashes A Stinging Attack On Chelsea Over Behind Closed Doors Request

Middlesbrough Chairman Unleashes A Stinging Attack On Chelsea Over Behind Closed Doors Request. Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson has slammed Chelsea’s intention to play their FA Cup clash behind closed doors in order to preserve “sporting integrity.” The Blues are not permitted to sell tickets for the game as a result of the new restrictions imposed on the club.

Gibson, on the other hand, is dissatisfied with the Blues’ request to the FA to hold their away game at the Riverside Stadium without any fans. The chairman of Middlesbrough believes that their team should not suffer as a result of the misbehavior of another team owner. According to Steve Gibson (via the Telegraph):

“The words ‘sporting integrity’ and Chelsea don’t belong in the same sentence. For 19 years, money has fuelled the success of Chelsea Football Club.”

“Our fans, our club, our players and our manager have done nothing wrong. If Chelsea were to succeed, and the game be played behind closed doors, does that mean all the Premier League games have to be played behind closed doors? And all the Champions League games?

A statement from the club 👇 #UTBhttps://t.co/llNdzM9WbR

— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) March 15, 2022

“And for what reason? Because of their owner, all the rest of us have to suffer. This has to be kicked out and [Chelsea chairman] Bruce Buck should be kicked out.”

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Premier League club and its owner, Roman Abramovich, have been subjected to severe restrictions. The club is prohibited from selling tickets or products to their fans as a result of these sanctions. They are also prohibited from signing new players or offering new contracts to their current stars.

Middlesbrough, on the other hand, has performed admirably in the FA Cup this season, reaching the quarterfinals as a result of their efforts. Boro have qualified for the final eight after defeating two Premier League giants, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur. They will now face Thomas Tuchel’s team in an FA Cup semifinal on March 19th.

Chelsea will travel to Lille, France, for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match on Wednesday. They presently lead the first leg 2-0 and will try to advance to the tournament’s quarterfinals.