From the Trust
We’ve been asked to point out that, in line with new guidance from the Premier League and a new approach from the police, there will be a much stronger effort to prevent the use and carrying of drugs at and around this game. There will be no drugs amnesty bins and there will be an additional presence from police and stewards, who have been briefed to be aware of possible drug use. We are passing this information on so that supporters are aware.
The designated away pubs ahead of the game are once again The Prince of Teck, The Courtfield Tavern and the Earl’s Court Tavern, all in Earl’s Court. It is possible one or all of these pubs could close early at the landlord’s discretion. A controlled drinking zone will be in operation around Earl’s Court and Stamford Bridge and will be enforced. This means no drinking from open containers on the street.
Police will adopt a firm but friendly approach on the day. A decision will be taken on the day about whether any group of away fans needs escorting to the stadium. There will be a police presence in the stadium.
Away fans should plan to arrive at the stadium in good time, at least one hour before kick-off. The stadium opens at 2.30pm. Look out for the email from THFC for match attenders for details of possible early bird deals. Alcohol will be served throughout the day, depending on behaviour. Experienced Spurs travelling stewards will be present at the away turnstiles, working alongside experienced Chelsea staff to ensure entry through turnstiles is as efficient as possible. Two experienced Spurs access stewards will be present.
Spurs fans will enter via the Stamford gate, with 872 entering via the lower entrance and 1.987 via the upper. All 13 turnstiles will be in operation. Access details will be sent direct to relevant attenders by THFC.
We have been allocated 70 fewer tickets than last year. We challenged that decision. We were told the reason was because of trouble on the segregation line last year. Having witnessed those events, we asked why a reduction in tickets for both sets of fans wasn’t decided upon. Chelsea told us that it wasn’t possible to reduce tickets from the home section because the seats in the home section were occupied by season ticket holders.
When we pursued the matter further we were told that the problems were caused mainly by Spurs fans. By Chelsea’s own admission, arrests were made on both sides. We pushed hard against this decision but were told it had been taken with the approval of the Hammersmith & Fulham Safety Advisory Group. There is no fan representation on the Hammersmith & Fulham Safety Advisory Group
It's our understanding that THFC also contested the reduction in allocation. It is entirely wrong that Chelsea have imposed a one-sided sanction, and entirely wrong that they have been allowed to get away with it.
The south east corner segregation line has now been widened by four rows. There will also be a line of stewards on the gap.
There are no Covid checks, just the normal security and bag checks – details will be in the information THFC sends out to match attenders. Tickets may be checked upon entry to the stadium bowl as well as at the turnstiles. Safe standing is being managed as normal, with no migration between sections allowed. Provision has been made for those who cannot or do not want to stand to be located in the front rows. Details will be in match attender information.
At the end of the game Spurs fans will exit via the Stamford Gate. There are no planned route restrictions, so it will be possible to get to Fulham Broadway. Extra services on the underground have been scheduled. There are no other planned transport issues we have been made aware of, but those travelling by car should check the status of the A4 on the day.
THST Board
10 August 2022
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