Chelsea set to limit Shamrock Rovers’ ticket allocation following police warning

Ryan Price

The Blues have laid out strict procedures on how Rovers fans can purchase tickets for the game.

Shamrock Rovers fans are set to experience some difficulty in their attempts to secure tickets to the eagerly-anticipated Europa Conference League clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on 19 December.

Much to the disappointment of Hoops fans when the fixture announcements were made, the new format for the Conference League meant that they wouldn’t get to welcome Enzo Maresca’s star-studded side to Dublin.

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – JULY 27: Stephen Bradley, Head Coach of Shamrock Rovers reacts during the UEFA Europa Conference League second qualifying round first leg match between Ferencvarosi TC and Shamrock Rovers at Groupama Arena on July 27, 2023 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Laszlo Szirtesi/Getty Images)

Instead, Stephen Bradley’s men will travel to London just before Christmas for their final game of the league phase.

Following a warning from London police, Chelsea have implemented new restrictions on how away fans can purchase tickets at Stamford Bridge.

While the away side were hoping to rely on the support of their travelling stronghold for the crucial fixture, Chelsea have reportedly told Rovers that they will be limited to just 2,000 tickets.

LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 13: Cole Palmer of Chelsea celebrates with team mates after scoring their sides first goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Fulham FC at Stamford Bridge on January 13, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Local police have allegedly advised the club of the high demand from fans of the League of Ireland champions, and of the prospect that Hoops supporters will attempt to ‘infiltrate’ home areas of Stamford Bridge.

A statement on their club website read: “Loyalty points are being used for this fixture as a result of police advice regarding high demand from away supporters and the prospect of them trying to infiltrate home areas of the stadium on their first visit to Stamford Bridge.

“Members with sufficient loyalty points will be able to purchase one ticket per person tomorrow (Thursday, October 31) from 10 am.”

Considering more than 3,000 fans made the trip to London for Rovers’ 2011 Europa League clash with Tottenham, Rovers’ fans will be disappointed that their big European night in London won’t be as magical as they hoped.

Just last week, Rovers travelled north to Belfast to face Northern Irish champions Larne. On that occasion, 2,500 Rovers fans were in the stands at Windsor Park.

UEFA regulations require at least 5% of the stadium’s overall capacity (2,000 in the case of Stamford Bridge). Larne had agreed to a slight increase in that number. It does not appear as though the same generosity will be forthcoming from English giants Chelsea.