Ally McCoist has defended Chelsea fans by describing them as “victims” in the ticket saga that took place yesterday.
It was announced on Tuesday that the Blues definitely won’t be allowed to sell any extra away tickets ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup quarter-final trip to Championship side Middlesbrough.
As a result, Chelsea originally requested to the FA for Saturday’s game to be played behind closed doors at the Riverside Stadium. However, the London club withdrew the request later on in the day.
The current sanctions imposed on Chelsea while the club hunt for new ownership means they’re prevented from selling any extra tickets.
McCoist condemns the original decision from Chelsea yesterday to request a behind closed doors game, which they thankfully completed a U-turn on just hours later. He adds that he does feel sorry for the Blues supporters that are caught up in the ongoing ticket saga.
“It’s nothing to do with Middlesbrough. They deserve the game to go ahead,” McCoist told talkSPORT.
“It’s slightly ironic and embarrassing I felt for Chelsea to come out and ask that question. Thankfully, they redeemed themselves quickly.
“The problem with Chelsea you can’t be punishing the supporters, you can’t be punishing the people who work within the club. It’s nothing to do with them. It’s not their fault. At this moment in time they’re victims as well.”
Hang in there Chelsea fans
It’s widely reported potential investors have until Friday to submit their bids to buy Chelsea, so hopefully the future starts to become a little clearer soon.
The Raine Group will reportedly need to decide on the new owners before the government checks over and allows a takeover.
As it stands, only Chelsea supporters that have already purchased tickets for upcoming fixtures will be able to attend. The Blues are under restrictions to prevent them selling any extra due to sanctions on current owner Roman Abramovich.
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