The Metropolitan Police has commissioned an independent investigation following a wave of complaints from Chelsea supporters about their treatment after an FA Cup tie last weekend.
Fans Left in 'Distress' After Unannounced Holdback
The incident occurred on Saturday, 10 January, following Chelsea's third-round victory at Charlton Athletic's Valley stadium. The match, which kicked off at 8pm in freezing temperatures, concluded with an unexpected operational decision that affected the away supporters.
Approximately 3,000 travelling Chelsea fans were held back outside the ground without any prior warning. The Chelsea Supporters' Trust (CST) reported that the lack of communication left thousands unprepared, leading to visible distress.
Dominic Rosso, chair of the CST, stated the police action was "deeply disappointing" and evoked uncomfortable comparisons with policing methods from past decades.
Chaotic Scenes in 'Hazardous' Conditions
According to detailed feedback gathered by the Trust, the situation quickly deteriorated. As fans were eventually allowed to leave, a police block of vans led many to mistakenly turn left into a poorly lit residential cul-de-sac.
This area was described as hazardous, with muddy ground turned to ice, causing people to slip and fall in the darkness. The absence of clear signage or stewarding heightened the risk and confusion.
When the main holdback was lifted, supporters were funnelled through a narrow two-metre gap, causing a dangerous surge. "Several supporters stumbled and fell," Rosso said, noting that others stepped into private gardens to avoid injury. A second hold of around 15 minutes then occurred near Charlton station.
Met Defends Actions But Commits to Review
In response to the complaints, a Met Police spokesperson defended the officers' actions, stating they were based on intelligence indicating a risk of disorder towards Chelsea fans.
"The measures implemented ensured supporters were kept safe," the force said, emphasising that dynamic decision-making is often required in football policing.
However, acknowledging the concerns, the Met has committed to a full and independent review in conjunction with the UK Football Policing Unit. The aim is to ensure transparency and identify any lessons to be learned from the operation.
The Chelsea Supporters' Trust has welcomed the review and called for constructive dialogue to prevent any repeat of the incident, which overshadowed the team's 4-0 win on the pitch.
