Chelsea fans warn club they face ‘irreversible toxicity’ from supporters

Chelsea stand on the brink of an “irreversible toxicity” from the fanbase over concerns for the direction of the club, according to the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust.

Despite progress in the cups, Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino has overseen an underwhelming Premier League campaign since arriving at Stamford Bridge last summer.

Chelsea were branded “blue billion-pound bottle jobs” by Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville late on during their 1-0 extra-time defeat against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final last month.

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino during the Carabao Cup final at Wembley

Although Pochettino has since guided Chelsea back to Wembley for an FA Cup semi-final with holders Manchester City in April, questions remain over the long-term vision under co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali in the post-Roman Abramovich era.

The CST wrote to Boehly and Eghbali earlier this month, highlighting how the current lack of engagement or communication by the club has led to an “overwhelming sense of helplessness, frustration and deep concern” among fans.

CST letter issued to #ChelseaFC on 8.3.24.

Supporter mood at its lowest since 1980s due to lack of direction/communication from board.

Continued lack of engagement with wider fanbase could lead to irreversible toxicity.

Any significant £ increase to supporters would be unwise. pic.twitter.com/WpfVRRSjjH

— Chelsea Supporters’ Trust (@ChelseaSTrust) March 20, 2024

This, the CST said, had left Chelsea “close to, if not already experiencing, a significant shift in supporter opinion that could result in irreversible toxicity, almost irrespective of results on the pitch”.

During the recent 2-2 draw against Brentford at Stamford Bridge, the CST noted several “anti-ownership chants” could be heard,