Back to the Middlesbrough Newsfeed

Chelsea: Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson tears into 'rotten' world champions over ticket row

Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson has ripped into Chelsea and branded the club 'rotten' for requesting to play their FA Cup quarter-final tie behind closed doors on Saturday.

The Blues, who have been left in a state of limbo after owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK Government last week, announced on Tuesday that they cannot sell any new tickets for their trip to Middlesbrough this weekend.

With Abramovich's British assets frozen, they are currently unable to sell tickets or merchandise, complete any incoming or outgoing transfers, renew player contracts and spend more than £20,000 on match travel.