Chelsea stewards' £1m ticket racket'
Chelsea football stewards have been caught allegedly running a ?1million match ticket racket.
The 10 stewards are thought to have run the scheme for the last 10 years, but were found out at last weekend's Fulham game.
They are believed to have been smuggling in about 100 fans by waiting until 10 minutes before kick-off and then selling empty seats usually occupied by season ticket holders.
Ticketless fans have been able to watch league matches at Stamford Bridge for £50, but during big FA Cup draws and Champions League clashes the figure rocketed to £500.
The stewards are thought to have made £1 million between them from the top-flight club which is owned by Roman Abramovich.
The stewards' scheme came to an end when season ticket holders arrived to find their seats at the match against Fulham had already been sold on without their knowledge.
Another steward noted the incident and security staff swooped to have the stewards suspended.
One club source said: "They thought it was a great hoot robbing Abramovich, one of the richest men in the world.
"But it came unstuck at the Barcelona Champions League game when two season ticket holders found their seats occupied.
"There was an almighty row and another steward reported it."
Security staff studied CCTV footage before deciding to suspend the men.
Chelsea is now deciding whether to press charges.
The team is now preparing for the next leg of the UEFA Champions League match at Anfield on Tuesday. They drew the first match at Stamford Bridge 0-0.
