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Chelsea are in danger of becoming a “laughing stock”, according to the club’s main supporters. And in a far-fetched letter to owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Egbhali, the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust warned him about creating an environment of “irreversible toxicity. “” regardless of the results.
With Mauricio Pochettino languishing 11th in the Premier League table, the head coach, chairman Boehly and the players, plus Raheem Sterling, have been abused from the stands in recent weeks.
But after more than £1 billion of investment in the team and unpopular decisions to raise prices for accessories and products, CST said there is now “a widespread and significant lack of buy-in among decision-makers at the most sensible levels of our club”. .
And in a four-page letter accusing Boehly and director Eghbali of failing to meet their commitments, the fans’ organisation states: “The bad mood that exists among fans is incredibly low and cannot be ignored. The feeling that the club has the “laughing stock”, on and off the pitch, is growing.
“The CST unfortunately believes that we are close, if we are already facing, to a significant change in fan opinion that could lead to irreversible toxicity, almost regardless of the effects on the field. “
They warned that “unless the scenario improves” there will be “more targeted chants” in the upcoming matches and “probably more organized and open protests. “
At the heart of CSE’s considerations is confidence that the club has pivoted to maximise its advertising revenue before waiting for enthusiasts to shell out additional money. The merchandise, the coach for away games and the food and drink at Stamford Bridge have it all. increased, and consultations are under way on the extension of ticket prices.
The letter, sent on March 8, read: “When you started leading Chelsea FC, you let your supporters know that you were going to increase any and all advertising revenue streams and double the profits to align us with the other top leagues in the Premier League. “We have been informed that only after all advertising resources have been exhausted will the club touch the fans’ wallets. “
The club’s chief executive, Scott Jurasek, responded to the letter by saying he “recognises the concerns” but “there is a desire to increase the club’s profits to put us on a par with our rivals”.
Chelsea did not say whether Boehly and Eghbali had read the letter, and CSE chairman Mark Meehan said Jurasek’s reaction “does not respond to the factor that we have raised. . . There are serious considerations among the fans about the direction of the club. “and specifically the disconnect felt towards the club’s owners, the board of directors as well as the majority of the team and the coach.
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