22 March 2023 , 18:33
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Supporters of Chelsea have slammed owner Todd Boehly and those involved in the making of hit TV series Ted Lasso after a banner aimed at a Blues legend was altered in an episode of the show.
In a recent episode, one of the main characters - Roy Kent - returns to Stamford Bridge and is honoured by the fans as he is seen as a Chelsea legend in the show. A banner which reads 'They Don't Make Them Like Roy Anymore' is unveiled at the Stadium, a spin-off to the current tribute on display at Stamford Bridge in honour of the late Ray Wilkins.
Wilkins passed away in 2018 after suffering a cardiac arrest, and a banner was unveiled in reference to Frank Lampard's phrase 'They don't make them like Ray anymore'. The alteration of the banner has outraged Chelsea fans, who find the alteration extremely disrespectful.
Lasso is the main character in the award-winning sports-comedy series, where fictional club AFC Richmond compete in the Premier League. Lasso is the manager, while Kent is thought to be based on Roy Keane - although in the show he is a Chelsea hero rather than an icon for Manchester United.
In the third series, Kent returns as Richmond's assistant coach, and is paid a tribute when re-visiting Stamford Bridge. But the nature of which the show altered a real tribute to Wilkins has sparked fury amongst Chelsea fans.
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The Chelsea Supporters Trust tweeted in reference to the incident, writing: "This is a banner paid for by supporters to commemorate a Chelsea legend: Ray Wilkins. Many supporters have seen this edit to be disrespectful and we have expressed our disappointment to club officials. We expect that CFC will address this in due course."
Chelsea's banner in honour of the late Ray Wilkins has been up since 2018 (@WeAre_TheShed)
Ted Lasso's altered banner for the show was to honour Roy Kent (Apple TV)Outraged by the alteration, fans have also taken aim at Boehly for allowing the change to be made. One fan said: "Disrespecting Ray Wilkins for marketing is another blunder under the Boehly regime."
Wilkins made more than 200 appearances for Chelsea between during a six-year stint at Stamford Bridge, and returned to the club to act as assistant manager. Wilkins worked under the likes of Luiz Felipe Scolari, Guus Hiddink and Carlo Ancelotti.
During his playing career, Wilkins won three FA Cups at Chelsea, a Premier League title, and was also a season-ticket holder at Stamford Bridge as he continued to attend games after leaving the club.