Chelsea have been accused of showing no regard for their supporters over the mounting problems they face in reaching next week's Europa League final in Baku.
Both Chelsea and Arsenal are set to return thousands of tickets for the final and a statement from Blues fans claim the club has offered no help with the 'travel, expense and logistics' of reaching Azerbaijan's capital.
But, while the Gunners have publicly slammed the decision by UEFA to stage the final in Baku, Chelsea have been accused of ignoring suggestions from the fans and the problems they are facing.
In a statement, the Chelsea Supporters Trust said: 'We are extremely disappointed that Chelsea FC have been unable or unwilling to help Chelsea supporters overcome the travel, expense and logistics in order for them to support the team in a European final. This, in spite of the Chelsea Supporters Trust's suggestions as to how the club could offer material help to supporters wishing to go to Baku.
'We suggested providing a subsidy for travelling supporters, having calculated the negligible financial impact on the club given the revenue earned from the competition this season. This is pertinent when considering that Chelsea FC's travel partner, Thomas Cook, is charging an extortionate £979 for the official package for the day trip to Baku.
'Furthermore, the late notice of the UK airport to be used for both departure and return means it is hard for travellers to plan.
'The price for Thomas Cook's package is more expensive than most season tickets, and again it is disappointing that the club did not feel they could offer supporters an extension for season ticket renewals, as they have done before when Chelsea supporters faced additional expense due to the club's participation in a European final. Tottenham Hotspur, for example, have extended their season ticket renewals to help supporters cash flow.
'Chelsea is the only club of the four English European finalists insisting all of their supporters collect their tickets from a designated ticket pick-up location, even though tickets are clearly freely available. To compound things, supporters cannot take advantage of the free travel in Baku until they have their match ticket. Surely Chelsea could have re-thought their policy in lieu of the exceptional circumstances of the trip to Baku?
'The lack of a statement from Chelsea FC is also disappointing. Arsenal FC, issued a statement expressing frustration and disappointment on behalf of their supporters; acknowledging the unsuitability of the venue, the challenges faced by supporters travelling to Baku and the need to ensure more care by UEFA in future venue selection. While this may not make any difference to UEFA's immediate decision making, at the very least it sent out a message to their supporters that they were concerned about the difficulties they face and were on their side.
'A similar statement from Chelsea would have engendered some much-needed goodwill from the supporters.'
Divyansh26
64
And here are Frankfurt fans respect 👏👏....