Todd Boehly responds to Ray Wilkins banner being altered for Ted Lasso promo
A peculiar incident arose at Chelsea Football Club yesterday. To provide a brief explanation for those unfamiliar with Ted Lasso, it is a television show from the United States centered around a made-up football team that includes a former fictitious Chelsea player in their ranks.
Chelsea Football Club collaborated with the creators of Ted Lasso on a marketing initiative that featured a simulated match between Chelsea and a team called Richmond.
The one we’ve been waiting for, the Roy Kent derby at Stamford Bridge. 🔵🔴
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 21, 2023
@AFCRichmond | #CFCvsAFCRichmond pic.twitter.com/kp8BUwfRHa
Additionally, the marketing campaign included a fabricated pre-match interview featuring Graham Potter in a role-play scenario.
'It’s time he faces a proper club.' 💬
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 21, 2023
Graham Potter vs @TedLasso! #CFCvsAFCRichmond ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/uZkZpxdcCA
Opinions about the marketing campaign aside, the most controversial aspect of it was the digital alteration of a banner featuring Ray Wilkins in the promotional video.
The identity of the individual responsible for this modification remains unknown, but it provoked a significant negative reaction.
Chelsea fans are reportedly furious after a banner for Ray Wilkins was doctored for an episode of Ted Lasso 🇺🇸
— FUN88 (@fun88eng) March 22, 2023
The banner was changed to show support for the fictional character, Roy Kent 📺 pic.twitter.com/UaY0LYHuo4
A large number of fans directed their frustration towards the current owners of the club.
Nevertheless, Todd Boehly, one of the owners, has addressed the issue and indicated that it was a decision made without their involvement.
The Chelsea owner said: “We had nothing to do these arrangements. The deal w/ apple was struck in 1Q/22. We are sorry it affected so many and mostly we care about Ray and his family. We would also point out that none of the “Chelsea” players were actual Chelsea players. Hopefully, that was clear.”
We had nothing to do these arrangements. The deal w/ apple was struck in 1Q/22. We are sorry it affected so many and mostly we care about Ray and his family. We would also point out that none of the “Chelsea” players were actual Chelsea players. Hopefully, that was clear.
— Todd Boehly (@todd_boehly) March 22, 2023
Todd Boehly responds to Ray Wilkins banner being altered for Ted Lasso promo
