Chelsea have been charged by the Football Association (FA) over alleged discriminatory behaviour by supporters during their Premier League victory at Fulham.
The charge relates to the ninth minute of Chelsea’s 3-2 win at Craven Cottage on 24 August.
Chelsea contacted supporters after the match, acknowledging that it had received “multiple reports of sectarian chanting from a small portion” of its fans.
The club said it does not condone discriminatory chanting and warned that supporters found guilty would face “the strongest possible action”.
FA charges Chelsea
An FA spokesperson said Chelsea had been charged with breaching FA Rule E21.
“Chelsea FC has been charged with breaching FA Rule E21 during the ninth minute of its Premier League fixture against Fulham FC on 24 August.
“It’s alleged that the club failed to ensure its spectators and/or supporters did not behave in an improper, offensive, abusive or insulting way.
“It’s further alleged that this behaviour was discriminatory in that it included a reference, whether express or implied, to religion or belief.”
The charge concerns alleged conduct by spectators and does not itself establish that Chelsea supporters committed the alleged offence. The FA process will determine the matter.
Chelsea’s previous response to sectarian abuse
Chelsea previously condemned the actions of a supporter in 2021 after the fan was seen on social media directing sectarian abuse at Aston Villa’s Scotland international John McGinn.
The latest FA charge comes as Chelsea sit 10th in the Premier League with seven points after their opening five matches.
