Chelsea hit with FA charge after alleged discriminatory chanting against Fulham

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The Football Association has charged Chelsea following reports of discriminatory chanting during their Premier League match away at Fulham in August.

While the team secured a 3-2 win over their west London rivals on the season’s opening weekend thanks to goals from Joao Pedro, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer, the club are now facing action for failing to control supporter behaviour.

An FA 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 express or implied, to religion or belief.”

Following the victory at Craven Cottage, the club issued a message to their supporters warning against “sectarian chanting”.

Released the day after the fixture, the statement to fans in attendance read: “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 have 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.”

Chelsea currently sit 10th in the Premier League table after taking seven points from their opening five matches. They suffered a significant setback when they were beaten 3-0 by Brentford in their final match before the international break.

Meanwhile, Fulham are 19th in the table, above Tottenham on goal difference, after collecting two points from five games.