YOU’VE MADE US A LAUGHING STOCK

Fuming Chelsea supporters warn Boehly of toxic mood in stands

CHELSEA’S Supporters’ Trust launched a scathing attack on Todd Boehly yesterday in an open letter to the Blues owner, claiming the American has turned the club into a ‘laughing stock’.

Boehly’s tenure has been marked by free spending off the pitch and freefall on it, with Chelsea 11th in the Premier League table despite splurging more than £1billion on players since the club’s US takeover in May 2022.

The fan group, who have more than 85,000 followers on X, have taken the step of writing directly to Boehly and his Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali to vent their frustration.

‘The current feeling among Chelsea supporters is at its lowest since the early 1980s,’ read the letter. ‘A significant number of supporters that we speak to are quick to express concerns that the lack of any public-facing vision from the new ownership has led to an overwhelming sense of helplessness, frustration and deep concern.

‘The current mood among supporters is critically low and cannot be ignored. The feeling that the club has become a laughing stock, both on and off the pitch, is growing.’

Chelsea fans have voiced their frustration at recent games, with sections of their away support singing derogatory, expletiveladen chants about Boehly and manager Mauricio Pochettino during the 2-2 draw at Brentford earlier this month.

The Supporters’ Trust warned those chants would grow in volume unless Boehly changes course and Chelsea improve their fan engagement.

‘The CST regretfully believes that we are close to a significant shift in supporter opinion that could result in irreversible toxicity,’ they added.

‘Unless the situation improves, this seems likely to manifest itself in more targeted chanting, especially at televised games.’

The letter also outlined fans’ frustration at increased prices for tickets, programmes and food on matchdays, especially when the club have been so liberal in their spending on players.

Chelsea chief executive Chris Jurasek responded with his own letter, defending the club’s communication with supporters and claiming increased revenues are necessary for the Blues to compete with their rivals. ‘Thank you for your letter and unwavering support for Chelsea,’ Jurasek wrote. ‘Without question, we want to ensure we engage with supporters regularly to provide clear lines of communication and significant transparency.

‘Chelsea Supporters’ Trust is a valued organisation we endeavour to have substantial dialogue with on a regular basis. Our goal is the same as your goal: to ensure Chelsea has a bright and successful future. To do so, there is a necessity to increase revenue to put us on a par with our rivals and allow us to compete.

‘We recognise there is concern about rising costs on a matchday and the impact ticket prices can have on our supporters.’

Mail Sport revealed earlier this month that Jurasek had caused surprise at a staff meeting by telling Chelsea employees he was ‘not really a football fan’ and that he had previously referred to supporters as ‘customers’.

The CST said Jurasek’s response ‘didn’t really address’ the issues they raised.