The Met Police have blamed Chelsea and Manchester United for failing to agree an earlier kickoff time after away tickets were slashed for their rearranged Stamford Bridge clash.
Fans of the two clubs were united in fury after the Premier League fixture was switched to Saturday October 22 with a 5.30pm kickoff. The away ticket allocation has been cut by 624 to 2,370 to downgrade it to a medium-risk feature - and United might have to hold a ballot to decide who does not go.
The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust claimed the decision was an “insult” and showed fans are “disposable” while the Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) even threatened legal action against the Met.
But a Met Police spokesperson said high risk fixtures in the capital had to start before 4.45pm at weekends. And after it was initially moved from 5.30pm on Saturday to 4.30pm on Sunday 23rd, Chelsea’s Champions League fixture at RB Salzburg on Tuesday 25 meant it had to be moved back to Saturday.
“The clubs were unable to agree to an earlier kick off due to concerns about TV commitments, so an alternative solution had to be found,” the spokesman said.
“At a meeting of the Safety Advisory Group, a compromise was reached that involved the clubs agreeing to reduce the away ticket allocation to 2,370 which, in turn, changed the risk rating of the fixture from high to medium.
“While we accept that this may disappoint and inconvenience some fans, it was not the only option available to the clubs and was not a decision taken directly by the police."
Earlier, the Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) said: “We find it abhorrent and a disgraceful precedent that an away allocation has been cut weeks before a game and after tickets have been allocated.
“We find it even worse this seems to be because the Met police - whilst able to handle all sorts of major events, not least a state funeral at short notice - cannot cope with 3000 people in an away end.
“We are now considering legal action against the Met Police on behalf of our fans affected by this decision to reduce our allocation after tickets have been sold to fans in good faith, many of whom will have booked travel.”
The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust said: “Kickoff announced with 15 days notice & away allocation reduced. This confirms that as long as the game can be broadcast, supporters are disposable - this is an insult & sets a dangerous precedent. We stand with MUST and the 624 supporters who will have their tickets cancelled.”
