Chelsea charged by FA over alleged discriminatory chanting at Fulham

The Chelsea have been charged by the Football Association (FA) over alleged discriminatory behaviour by fans during their 3-2 win at Fulham, played on 24 August at Craven Cottage.

Chelsea wrote to supporters after that match, acknowledging it had received “multiple reports of sectarian chanting from a small portion” of fans. The club said it does not condone discriminatory chants and that supporters found guilty would face “the strongest possible action.”

According to the FA, Chelsea breached FA Rule E21 in the ninth minute of the Premier League fixture against Fulham on 24 August. The charge alleges the club failed to ensure its spectators and/or supporters did not behave in an improper, offensive, abusive or insulting way, with the conduct deemed discriminatory for including a reference to religion or belief.

The club also pointed to a 2021 incident in which it condemned a fan seen online targeting the Scottish international John McGinn with sectarian abuse when he played for Aston Villa.

In the Premier League, Chelsea are 10th with seven points after their opening five games.