Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly has apologised for the changes made to a Ray Wilkins banner for the latest episode of Ted Lasso, but reiterated it was "nothing to do" with the Blues hierarchy
Todd Boehly has defended his and the club's position surrounding the controversy of an alteration to a Ray Wilkins banner during a shot of Stamford Bridge in the latest episode of Ted Lasso. Wilkins' banner, which hangs in the east stand of the ground, reads: "They don't make them like Ray anymore" but was edited for the shot in popular American show Ted Lasso.
With the central narrative of the third season's second episode focusing on a game against Chelsea, the change of Ray to Roy referenced fictional character Roy Kent. Kent is a man based on Manchester United icon Roy Keane but the decision to tamper with the Wilkins banner on camera has gone down badly with fans of the club.
However, Boehly has reiterated he had "nothing to do" with this decision, but did apologise for the impact caused. "We had nothing to do these arrangements," Boehly tweeted.
"The deal w/ apple was struck in 1Q/22. We are sorry it affected so many and mostly we care about Ray and his family."
The episode depicted Chelsea drawing 1-1 against Lasso's plucky AFC Richmond side, and Boehly was also quick to remind viewers the fictional players were not played by their real counterparts.
He added: "We would also point out that none of the “Chelsea” players were actual Chelsea players. Hopefully, that was clear."
"This is a banner paid for by supporters to commemorate a Chelsea legend: Ray Wilkins. Many supporters have seen this edit to be disrespectful, and we have expressed our disappointment to club officials. We expect that CFC will address this in due course."
Meanwhile, fan group We Are The Shed - who create and fund banners and work inside the stadium - also tweeted: "Altering a banner (paid for and designed by supporters) which commemorates a Chelsea legend who has passed away. Complete lack of respect and understanding."
Wilkins, who played over 180 games for the club and returned to be assistant manager, died in 2018 after a cardiac arrest aged 61. He was a hugely popular member of the footballing world and was a seasoned international, who also held posts within the England team set-up after his retirement from playing.