By Adegboyega Adeleye
Chelsea have been charged by the Football Association over alleged discriminatory chanting by supporters during their Premier League victory over Fulham in August
The FA said Chelsea breached Rule E21 during the ninth minute of their 3-2 win at Craven Cottage on August 24, with the club accused of failing to ensure their supporters did not engage in improper, offensive, abusive or insulting behaviour
According to the FA, the alleged behaviour was discriminatory because it included a reference, either express or implied, to religion or belief
“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,” an FA spokesperson said
“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”
Chelsea had previously written to supporters following the match after receiving “multiple reports of sectarian chanting from a small portion” of fans
The club said it did not condone discriminatory chants and warned that supporters found guilty would face “the strongest possible action”
Chelsea have previously taken a stand against sectarian abuse, including in 2021 when the club condemned the actions of a supporter who was filmed on social media directing sectarian abuse at Aston Villa’s Scottish international John McGinn
The Blues have won two of their opening five Premier League matches this season and currently sit 10th in the table with seven points