Djurgarden fans climb over the barriers to their seats as stewards look on
REUTERS
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The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust are calling for the club to launch a formal investigation into what they describe as “the most serious breach of stadium security in recent memory”.
During and after Thursday evening’s Conference League semi-final second-leg win over Djurgarden, away fans were seen scattered throughout Stamford Bridge and not confined to the designated away section in the left side of the Shed End stand.
Many of those who had seemingly bought tickets in the home end were also seen climbing over barriers to access the away sections.
Video footage taken after the game, which Chelsea won 1-0 on the night to complete a 5-1 aggregate victory, shows hundreds of away fans in home sections chanting Djurgarden supporters songs.
Chelsea had an increased police and security presence in place at the match but the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust (CST) have now launched a call for evidence from supporters with photo, video, or written evidence of away fans entering the home end.
The CST’s statement on Friday morning read: “During Thursday’s UEFA Conference League vs. Djurgården, a huge number of away supporters were able to infiltrate large areas of the home end.
“This is the most serious breach of stadium security in recent memory, and it significantly undermines any security protocols Chelsea FC put in place ahead of the fixture.
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“As a result, the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust will formally write a letter of complaint to Chelsea FC’s COO and Head of Security. We will call for a formal investigation by the club into the ticket sales process and Chelsea FC’s security response during the match.
“The findings of this investigation and any subsequent recommendations must be made available to supporters.
“The CST invites all supporters who attended the fixture on Thursday to submit written, photographic, and video evidence they captured during the fixture. The CST will then collate this evidence and then submit it to Chelsea FC.
Djurgarden fans jumping over barriers separating the home and away sections
John Walton/PA Wire
“It is important to note that the CST shared concerns with senior club officials over the vulnerability of home areas ahead of this fixture. No supporter should feel unsafe while at Stamford Bridge, and the CST will do everything to ensure that a full and proper explanation is issued to supporters and safeguards are put in place to ensure that this situation is not repeated in the future.”
Chelsea declined Standard Sport’s request for comment but directed publications instead to a statement made on the club’s website after Thursday night’s match.
The statement read: “The safety and security of all fans is of paramount importance to Chelsea Football Club. For tonight’s UEFA Conference League semi-final against Djurgarden, the club implemented increased restrictions on the sale and distribution of tickets.
“Despite these measures, we are aware of a large number of away supporters in home areas across the stadium at tonight’s match.
“We will be reviewing all ticketing arrangements following this evening’s match and commit to implementing all necessary changes following this review. We will also share all our findings with the Fan Advisory Board.”