Stamford Bridge: Chelsea FC stadium delays mean almost 1,000 fans unable to attend Crystal Palace opener

Tom Doyle13 August 2021

Almost 1,000 Chelsea supporters will miss the opening game of the Premier League season against Crystal Palace with part of Stamford Bridge to be closed on Saturday.

Chelsea have been undergoing stadium alterations – replacing 12,000 seats with new rail seating - with works on the Shed Upper and Lower already complete.

But the European champions have now confirmed that due to issues installing the rail seating in sections of the Matthew Harding Lower Stand, 908 fans will be unable to be seated for their season opener against the Eagles.

The news is a massive blow to fans who have been locked out of live football matches for the best part of 18 months due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

A club statement read: “Regrettably, 298 seats in Block 8/9 and 610 seats in Block 16 of the Matthew Harding Lower will not be available and tickets for the affected seats will not work on the turnstile system.

Getty Images

“We realise we have let these supporters down and sincerely apologise for the fact this has happened. If you are a season ticket holder you will receive a pro-rata refund for the match plus a refund of any reasonable pre-booked travel costs.

“Affected members will receive a full refund, plus a refund of any reasonable pre-booked travel costs. All affected season tickets holders and members will retain loyalty points for this match.

“In addition, after discussions with the Fans Forum and several supporter groups, affected season ticket holders and members will also receive a complimentary ticket to one of the first three home Champions League Group stage games this season.

“You will be contacted at the end of next week regarding the process for redeeming this.”

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