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Chelsea fans have claimed the “game's gone” after the club was charged by the FA over alleged discriminatory chanting during their 3-2 win at Fulham.
The Blues are accused of failing to control their supporters, with the charge believed to be related to the singing of a sectarian chant known as ‘Flute for 50 Pence'.
Chelsea charged over sectarian chants
One of the lines of the chant is “F*** the Pope and the IRA”, with Chelsea writing an email to their travelling fans after the game that warned them not to sing the song in the future.
“Dear supporter, thank you for your fantastic support during our opening Premier League fixture of the season against Fulham,” the email read. “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.”
— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) September 25, 2026
The FA have since charged Chelsea with a breach of FA Rule E21, explaining in a statement: “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.”
News of the charge prompted a mixed reaction from supporters online, with one writing: “Can't upset the IRA or the Pope, game's gone”.
Another added: “You can't stop charging chelsea every season, jut leave us alone”.
A third wrote: “Bit unfair – we can find these people and ban them but the club cannot preemptively predict how individuals will behave. But the idiots have to be dealt with so maybe this will get the club to double its efforts in reaction.”
Chelsea beat Fulham 3-2 in the match in question, with Joao Pedro, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer on target for the Blues.
Xabi Alonso's side have made a decent start to the new season, picking up two wins, one draw and two defeats to leave them 10th in the Premier League.
FGG Says: A predictable reaction
The “game's gone” reaction is a predictable one, but this does seem like a pretty clear breach of FA rules given Chelsea have acknowledged getting “multiple reports of sectarian chanting from a small portion of those in attendance”.
The question now is what kind of punishment the club may receive.