Chelsea have been charged by the FA after what the Blues' supporters did in the ninth minute of their win over Fulham last month
Chelsea fans celebrate Cole Palmer's goal against Fulham in August
Chelsea fans celebrate Cole Palmer's goal against Fulham(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA)
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Chelsea have been charged by the FA for their supporters' behaviour during the ninth minute of the win over Fulham towards the end of August.
It could be due to some of the travelling contingent singing a sectarian chant, 'Flute for 50 Pence', one of the opening lines being: "F*** the Pope and the IRA." Chelsea officials became aware of the chant and the club wrote an email to fans who travelled to the game and warned them against singing songs of this nature in the future.
Now, the FA have released a statement to confirm that the west London club have been charged.
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The statement read: "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.
"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 expressed or implied, to religion or belief."
The aforementioned email from Chelsea to supporters read: "Dear supporter, thank you for your fantastic support during our opening Premier League fixture of the season against Fulham. The whole team and manager recognised your contribution to helping secure our first win of the campaign.
"The passion and backing from our fans are vital in achieving a successful season, and we encourage you to continue your vocal support for the team.
"Following the fixture, we received multiple reports of sectarian chanting from a small portion of those in attendance at the match.
"We would like to strongly remind all supporters that the club does not condone any chants which discriminate against a protected characteristic. Any supporter found guilty of this will face the strongest possible action, which could include indefinite suspension from attending all Chelsea matches and ejection from the stadium.
"Following previous club fines and charges for chants of this nature, and to ensure that we create a welcoming matchday experience for all, we ask supporters to take collective responsibility and remain vigilant in helping us tackle discriminatory chanting.
"If you witness any discriminatory language or behaviour while supporting the team, please report it to us by notifying your nearest matchday steward whilst at the game or via our dedicated reporting form."
Chelsea won the trip to Fulham in what was Xabi Alonso's first game as manager. Joao Pedro gave the Blues the lead after just 31 seconds at Craven Cottage before Josh King equalised just over 20 minutes later.
Morgan Rogers then scored on his Chelsea debut to restore the visitors' advantage and Cole Palmer handed the away side a two-goal advantage shortly into the second-half. Gonzalo Garcia gave Fulham hope 54 minutes in, but that turned out to be the final goal of a thrilling opening match.
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