FA charges Chelsea over alleged discriminatory chanting at Fulham

Chelsea have been charged by the Football Association over alleged discriminatory chanting by supporters during their 3-2 Premier League win at Fulham's Craven Cottage on 24 August.

The club wrote to supporters after the match acknowledging it had received "multiple reports of sectarian chanting from a small portion" of fans and said it did not condone such behaviour. Chelsea added that fans found guilty would face "the strongest possible action".

A statement from an FA spokesperson 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."

In 2021 Chelsea condemned the actions of a fan who was seen on social media aiming sectarian abuse at Aston Villa's Scottish international John McGinn.

Chelsea have won two of their opening five Premier League games this season.

The Blues are 10th in the Premier League on seven points after the opening five games, and the FA charge alleges a breach of FA Rule E21 in relation to the incident at Craven Cottage on 24 August.