FA charges Chelsea over alleged discriminatory chanting by fans

The Football Association has formally charged Chelsea following alleged discriminatory conduct by a section of the club's supporters. The incident is said to have occurred during Chelsea's opening-weekend Premier League fixture on 24 August, a 3-2 away win over Fulham at Craven Cottage.

After the match, Chelsea wrote to their supporters acknowledging they had received multiple reports of sectarian chanting from a small portion of fans. The club stated it does not condone discriminatory chanting of any kind and that any supporters found responsible would face the strongest possible sanctions.

According to an FA spokesperson, Chelsea has been charged with breaching FA Rule E21 over conduct that allegedly occurred in the ninth minute of the match against Fulham. The charge alleges the club failed to ensure its spectators and supporters refrained from behaving in an improper, offensive, abusive or insulting manner. It is further alleged that the conduct was discriminatory, involving an express or implied reference to religion or belief.

This is not the first such episode linked to the club. In 2021, Chelsea condemned a supporter who was filmed on social media directing sectarian abuse at Aston Villa's Scotland international John McGinn.

Chelsea currently sit 10th in the Premier League table with seven points from their opening five matches of the season.