Chelsea's sanctions policy, which is available on their website, shows that fans who transfer an unauthorised ticket and those who commit sexual misconduct will face the same punishment
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 25: A general view outside Stamford Bridge, home of Chelsea FC, on January 25, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)
Chelsea fans face a one-year ban for unauthorised ticket transferring(Image: Visionhaus, Visionhaus/Getty Images)
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Chelsea's sanctions guidance for supporters places the unauthorised transferring of a ticket and sexual misconduct in the same bracket, with both offences resulting in a 12-month ban and the loss of a season card.
The Blues, like all clubs across the Premier League, set out rules and policies for supporters. Chelsea have outlined in their guidance, which can be found on their website, what each offence would result in - ranging from written warnings to lifetime bans.
The club clearly set out how they view various acts, but eyebrows have been raised by the decision to place those who commit sexual misconduct and those who transfer a ticket which has not been authorised, into the same category resulting in a 12-month ban and loss of season ticket.
What would constitute sexual misconduct is not confirmed in the sanctions, Chelsea have been approached for comment by Mirror Football.
There has been a move among a number of Premier League clubs to take greater control of their tickets and who may be using them. Top flight teams are being increasingly criticised for prioritising what would be seen as new customers, often those from overseas prepared to pay a premium for a one-off visit, which is impacting on loyal supporters, many of whom have been attending for decades.
On their website Chelsea state that each sanction will be judged on a case-by-case basis, with punishments greater or less than advised on the main list.
"The following sanctions-and-banning framework is intended to provide a guide on how the club handles behavioural and ticketing offences," Chelsea explain on their official website.
The club adds that "in publishing this policy, we aim to provide transparency and reassurance to those who do report incidents or concerns should they arise."
The club maintain: "All reports are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and all elements considered before applying an appropriate sanction which, depending on the circumstance, may be a lesser or greater sanction than is described. The published sanctions are to give supporters an idea of the type of sanction that could be applied and the process the club follows once something has been brought to our attention."
The decision to hand out one year bans for sexual misconduct and unauthorised ticket transfers has raised eyebrows
The decision to hand out one year bans for sexual misconduct and unauthorised ticket transfers has raised eyebrows
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Physically aggressive behaviour towards Chelsea staff and ticket fraud are the two offences which would result in an indefinite ban. Three year bans would be handed out to supporters who are found to be in possession of an offensive weapon or breach a club ban. Pitch incursion and physical assault would also fall into this category.
Written warnings are handed to those who smoke or vape inside the stadium drink alcohol in view and refuse to sit in their seat by persistently standing. Failure to comply with the instructions of a club steward or security officer would result in a three month ban.