Chelsea have been charged by the Football Association over alleged discriminatory chanting by supporters during their Premier League victory over Fulham last month.
The FA said the club breached Rule E21 during the ninth minute of Chelsea’s 3-2 win at Craven Cottage on August 24.
The charge relates to an allegation that Chelsea failed to ensure their supporters did not engage in improper, offensive, abusive or insulting behaviour.
The FA further alleged that the behaviour was discriminatory because it contained an express or implied reference to religion or belief.
An FA spokesperson said: “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.”
Chelsea had already contacted supporters after the match, saying it had received “multiple reports of sectarian chanting from a small portion” of its fans.
The club said it did not condone discriminatory chanting and warned that supporters found responsible would face “the strongest possible action”.
Chelsea have previously spoken out against sectarian abuse involving their supporters. In 2021, the club condemned a supporter who was filmed on social media directing sectarian abuse at Aston Villa’s Scottish international John McGinn.
The latest FA charge comes as Chelsea sit 10th in the Premier League table with seven points from their opening five matches.
The Blues have recorded two victories so far this season.
