Middlesbrough are now selling Chelsea allocated tickets to their own fans in the upcoming Quarter-final tie
According to a statement from Middlesbrough (h/t The Sun), Middlesbrough are now set to give their supporters an additional 3,200 tickets from those that were previously allocated to Chelsea. These developments took place as Government sanctions do not allow the London-based club to sell matchday tickets.
The Blues had initially made a request to hold the FA Cup quarter-final tie against Boro behind closed doors which was later withdrawn. This attempt was met with some scathing statements and remarks from Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson in an interview with The Athletic (subscription required).
The Yorkshire-based club has now taken this opportunity to dish out the Chelsea allocated tickets to their own fans. This means that the stadium could now be filled with their fans and only Blues supporters who pre-booked their ticket prior to the sanction will be allowed to view the game at the venue.
The West Londoners have been attracting a lot of interest off the field ever since Roman Abramovich departed the club. The search for a new owner is on but until that happens the Stamford Bridge outfit have been imposed with strict restrictions.
These sanctions do not allow the club to make transfers or offer contract renewals. It also prohibits them from selling their merchandise or tickets for matchdays. This could be a big hit for their revenue stream and fans would be hoping that we can put all of this behind us as soon as possible.
A PR disaster
It can be hard to focus on football with so much uncertainty revolving around the club. That being said, the players have shown utter professionalism on the pitch and have gone about their business in an impressive manner. Thomas Tuchel has done a good job of leading from the front in such precarious times.
The club has recorded back-to-back victories against Norwich City and Newcastle United in their recent Premier League encounters. They are currently enjoying a good run of form and will be looking to continue that impressive run in the domestic competition.
Boro have shown that they are more than capable of going toe-to-toe with some of the big clubs in the Premier League, eliminating Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup this campaign. The London-based club will thus have to be at their best if they are to enter the next round of the competition.
The Blues got their hands on the very first FIFA Club World Cup in February this year and narrowly lost out to Liverpool in the EFL Cup final in the same month. The Stamford Bridge outfit could therefore build on this platform as they would be looking to add more trophies to their kitty before the end of the season.
More Chelsea News
- Middlesbrough hits out at Chelsea request to play FA Cup quarter-final behind closed doors
- Kai Havertz: Players are willing to pay for travel expenses to help Chelsea amidst sanctions
- Thomas Tuchel gives latest Chelsea injury update ahead of Lille clash
The extra tickets going to Middlesbrough could be an advantage for the home team as they would get to house more supporters giving them the extra impetus to get over the line on the night. The Blues will have to channel their inner determination and fight if they are to head into the semi-finals of the FA Cup under such circumstances.