The Ricketts Family have moved to defuse growing tensions towards their bid to buy Chelsea by insisting they are not racist.
Representatives of the Ricketts family will fly to London in hope of smoothing over supporter objections towards their bid, despite receiving no confirmation that they had even made it on the shortlist of preferred offers.
And they have now released a statement, that read: ‘Our family rejects any form of hate in the strongest possible terms. 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.’
Bidders were still awaiting news of which offers had made the cut on Tuesday night, nevertheless representatives of the Ricketts family - whose bid will be part-funded by hedge fund manager Ken Griffin - will fly to England amid objections from Blues supporters about their proposed takeover.
Once in the capital they are expected to meet Chelsea Pitch Owners and the club’s supporters trust.
But they could face uncomfortable questioning from fans who do not want the Ricketts Family at the helm amid concerns over their cultural beliefs.
Patriarch of the family Joe Ricketts was forced to apologise for describing Muslims as an ‘enemy’ in leaked emails.
Sportsmail revealed last week that Chelsea’s muslim players including Antonio Rudiger, N’Golo Kante, Hakim Ziyech and Malang Sarr would feel compromised if the Ricketts bid is successful - another problem they will have to navigate if they are selected as the club’s new owners.
Sources close to the Ricketts consortium say Joe is not part of the proposed Chelsea takeover. But it remains an issue for fans while Paul Canoville, Chelsea’s first black player, took to social media in opposition of the Ricketts bid.
‘So I’ve seen and heard enough,’ he wrote. ‘I’m backing the Chelsea Supporters Trust and saying a big fat anti-racism NO to the Ricketts bid!! Please can you stop even mentioning it.'