Chelsea supporters welcomed the team bus to Stamford Bridge with flares ahead of tonight’s Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund.
The Blues must overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit to keep their Champions League hopes alive, and with it their season after a miserable campaign under first Thomas Tuchel and currently Graham Potter.
Potter has been keen to whip up an atmosphere ahead of a match that represents a final chance of silverware, though fans have been warned in a club statement of a “zero tolerance” approach to flares.
Around a dozen supporters used pyrotechnics outside the stadium, sparking a response from police on horseback as they risked arrest. Stewards working for the club rushed to stop those on Fulham Road with flares from entering the stadium.
The flares are out at Stamford Bridge. pic.twitter.com/yPNtMupQpr
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) March 7, 2023
Those identified could face “a permanent criminal record, which may affect their employment and education, and could result in a prison sentence”, a statement read.
Chelsea could also ban guilty fans for up to three years.
