Chelsea need FA Cup tie with Middlesbrough performed behind closed doorways

Chelsea fans at Stamford Bridge

[ad_1]

Chelsea beat Luton 3-2 in the fifth round of the FA Cup

Chelsea have asked for Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final at Middlesbrough to be played behind closed doors because their fans can no longer buy tickets.

The government issued a licence to allow Chelsea to continue playing after freezing the assets of Russian owner Roman Abramovich.

Under the terms, Chelsea are not allowed to sell ticketsexternal-link to any matches.

Middlesbrough said they will challenge the “bizarre” and “ironic” request “in the strongest possible terms”.

The Football Association will make a decision on Wednesday.

Championship club Middlesbrough, who have knocked out Premier League sides Manchester United and Tottenham in this year’s competition, said the request was “without any merit whatsoever”.

“To suggest as a result that MFC and our fans should be penalised is not only grossly unfair but without any foundation,” read a Middlesbrough statement.

Chelsea Supporters Trust asked the club to withdraw the request,…

[ad_2]