Chelsea supporters threaten 'impactful protest' as mood at club lowest since 1980s

Chelsea supporters have written to owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali to warn of future protests if the running of the club does not change.

The Chelsea Supporters Trust has today published an open letter to the co-owners which seeks to 'highlight serious supporter concerns'. At the heart of issues raised by the group is a 'disconnection felt by supporters towards the majority of the team, manager, club, ownership and board'.

The Trust claims that supporter mood at Stamford Bridge is at its lowest since the early 1980s with blame for that being targeted at the club's ownership, as well as the team's performance on the pitch. The letter cites an 'overwhelming sense of helplessness, frustration and deep concern' from the fanbase when it comes to ownership.

During Chelsea's recent Premier League outing at Brentford, a 2-2 draw at the Gtech Community Stadium, away fans could be heard chanting against ownership and management. Those are referenced by the Trust as part of a 'significant shift in supporter opinion' that could lead to more targeted chanting and 'quite possibly more organised, overt, and impactful forms of protest by some sections of the fanbase'.

The open letter goes into detail about issues regarding the growth of financial revenue streams 'at the expense of supporters' with the increase in the price of shirts, programmes, tickets and food and drink at Stamford Bridge mentioned.

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The Supporters Trust writes: "Obviously, an additional way for you to further increase matchday revenue is via ticket price increases and we understand that the club is currently assessing different scenarios, different options, and decisions around ticket pricing for next season.

"The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust acknowledges you are seeking to optimise income, but we have significant concerns regarding ticket pricing going forward, for both Season Ticket Holders and General Admission.

"The UK currently faces one of the most difficult financial periods in its history. It is important that you are aware that the cost-of-living crisis has created huge financial difficulties for many people and matchgoing supporters, the lifeblood of the club, are certainly not immune from these pressures."

The letter finishes by demanding a 'coherent, detailed strategy update from the ownership on their medium/long-term plans' and discussions over stadium redevelopment.

The letter adds: "We believe that a greater sharing of your vision, including commercial ambitions, with the wider fanbase could be an appropriate way of starting to create a better understanding of what you are seeking to achieve.

"Communicating how you are hoping to transition into operating on a more sustainable basis is vital if you wish to allay the widespread anxiety currently felt by supporters."