The Metropolitan police has commissioned an independent investigation after receiving complaints about its treatment of Chelsea supporters after the west London club’s FA Cup tie at Charlton last Saturday.
The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust (CST) called for action earlier this week after writing to the force to voice concerns regarding an operation in which approximately 3,000 travelling fans were held back outside the Valley without prior notice following the conclusion of a game that kicked off at 8pm in freezing temperatures.
The CST complained about a lack of communication from the police, unsafe conditions, blocked routes causing confusion and a surge taking place once the holdback was lifted. It added that “visible distress” was caused by fans being directed towards a confined space for almost 30 minutes before being allowed to leave.
“No advance communication was provided to supporters regarding the possibility of a post-match holdback, leaving thousands unprepared for what followed,” Dominic Rosso, the CST chair, wrote. “While operational challenges are understood, clearer communication is essential for maintaining trust and reducing frustration in high-pressure situations.
“As supporters exited via the red gates on to Valley Grove, a visible police block of three police vans on the right-hand side led many to assume that the correct route was to the left. This directed hundreds of supporters into a poorly lit and hazardous dead-end residential area. Freezing conditions meant muddy ground quickly turned to ice, resulting in people slipping, falling and navigating low walls in darkness. The absence of clear direction, signage or a stewarding presence in this area significantly increased confusion and unnecessary risk.”
Chelsea were given an allocation of 3,065 tickets for the third-round tie. The CST sought feedback from its members and said the action by police was “deeply disappointing” and evoked “uncomfortable comparisons with policing approaches more commonly associated with past decades”.
“When the holdback was eventually lifted, supporters were released through an opening of approximately two metres,” Rosso said. “This immediately caused a forward surge, with people being pushed towards a narrow and poorly lit path bordered by a raised ledge. Several supporters stumbled and fell, while others stepped into private gardens in an effort to avoid injury. In addition, a further hold of approximately 15 minutes took place adjacent to Charlton station.”
The CST called for a review and said it looks forward to constructive dialogue with the force to ensure there is no repeat of the incident.
In response, a spokesperson for the Met said that officers had acted after receiving intelligence indicating a risk of disorder towards Chelsea fans and said that the measures ensured safety. However, there was a commitment to an independent review with the UK Football Policing Unit.
The Met said: “Officers policing the Charlton Athletic FC v Chelsea FC match on Saturday 10 January made the decision to temporarily hold fans on two separate occasions following the conclusion of the game.
“These decisions were based on intelligence, which indicated a risk of disorder towards Chelsea fans. The measures implemented ensured supporters were kept safe.
“The policing of football matches often requires dynamic decision-making in order to reduce the potential risk of disorder. Our primary focus is always the safety of supporters and the wider public.
“A full and independent review has been commissioned with the UK Football Policing Unit, to ensure full transparency around decision-making and any learning is identified and adopted.”
