Chelsea make embarrassing U-turn as request to play FA Cup tie with no fans is removed

dailystar.co.uk:

Chelsea have been pressured into making an embarrassing U-turn over their request to play their FA Cup tie away to Middlesbrough behind closed doors.Due to current sanctions imposed on the west London club, Chelsea have sold less than 600 tickets for Saturday's game with their 4,500 allocation taken off sale last Thursday.

That prompted the side to make an official request to play the fixture at Riverside Stadium behind closed doors.But along with facing wide-spread criticism for the plea, Championship side Middlesbrough hit back by saying they have no intention of doing so.

And the FA has now issued a statement announcing that the Blues have now agreed to remove their controversial request following huge backlash.The FA's statement read: "After constructive talks between the FA and Chelsea, the club has agreed to remove their request for the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final tie against Middlesbrough to be played behind closed doors."The FA remains in ongoing discussions with Chelsea, the Premier League and the Government to find a solution that would enable both Chelsea fans to attend games and away fans to attend Stamford Bridge, whilst ensuring sanctions are respected."Chelsea were branded "pathetic" by Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson on Tuesday.

He said: "I can't believe it. To try this is just unbelievable. Sporting integrity and Chelsea do not belong in the same sentence.