A portion of Chelsea fans launched into a sectarian chant during their opening game of the Premier League season, as they watched Xabi Alonso's side beat Fulham 3-2
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 15: A general view of Chelsea Football Club signage is seen during the pre-season friendly match between Chelsea and Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge on August 15, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Chelsea have taken a stance(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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Chelsea will write to their supporters warning them against singing a sectarian chant which was heard in the away end during their clash with Fulham. In Monday's 3-2 victory at Craven Cottage, some Chelsea fans belted out the song 'Flute for 50 Pence'.
The opening verse of the song includes the line: "F*** the Pope and the IRA." Chelsea officials quickly became aware of the chant being sung and are set to act.
According to the Mail, Stamford Bridge chiefs plan to trace those who bought tickets for the Premier League fixture and ask them via email to avoid repeating the chant. It's added that the FA are also aware of the situation.
The use of the chant appears to reflect Chelsea's long-standing relationship with Scottish giants Rangers. It has been heard sung in relation to Glasgow rivals Celtic, who have a deep connection to the Roman Catholic Church.
In October 2025, the FA fined Lincoln £8,500 for twice chanting 'f*** the Pope and the IRA' towards former Wrexham and Republic of Ireland player James McClean. Chelsea could therefore face a similar punishment.
There was a charged atmosphere at Craven Cottage, with the Premier League unusually scheduling a West London derby for the opening weekend of the season. It took Chelsea less than a minute to take the lead, as Joao Pedro got Xabi Alonso's reign off to the perfect start.
Fulham equalised through Josh King before Morgan Rogers scored on his debut to restore Chelsea's advantage. Cole Palmer then gave the Blues breathing room shortly after half-time.
Another debutant, Gonzalo Garcia, pulled a goal back for Fulham in the 54th minute. As the hosts pushed to drew level again, Chelsea held on to begin their season with a win.
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 24: Chelsea fans celebrate after Cole Palmer of Chelsea scores a goal to make it 1-3 during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Fulham and Chelsea FC at Craven Cottage on August 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
Chelsea's fans enjoyed a 3-2 win(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
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There was another moment of animosity during the game when Enzo Fernandez was subbed on by Alonso. Fulham fans heavily jeered the Argentine, who'd taunted England after beating them at the World Cup.
Alonso was pleased with how his side handled the encounter, saying post-match: "[It's important] to manage in difficult moments, not to lose this emotional control. We know the Premier League is fantastic because sometimes the games are out of your hands.
"You don't control them, so the players on the pitch need to know how to manage it - it's as important as the tactics being right. It's a process but today we went through good moments on that and we need to carry on that."