Chelsea have embarrassingly backpedalled in their attempts to get Saturday's FA Cup clash with Middlesbrough to be played behind closed doors after being slammed by the Government, their opponents and their own fans.
Hours after submitting a request to have the quarter-final tie played without any fans due to 'sporting integrity' after their supporters are not able to attend due to sanctions on Roman Abramovich, the Premier League side withdrew the request following widespread outrage.
The Football Association confirmed on Tuesday that Chelsea have made a swift U-turn on their request to have the game played without fans.