Chelsea warn fans some may not be able to attend match over seating issue
Some sections of the Matthew Harding Stand are still to have rail seats installed ahead of the Crystal Palace fixture.
Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
Chelsea have warned some fans they may not be able to attend Saturday’s Premier League opener due to a seating issue at Stamford Bridge.
The club have been installing rail seating in certain sections of the stadium over the summer.
Most of the work is now complete but the club cannot guarantee all parts of the Matthew Harding Stand lower will be finished before the game against Crystal Palace
This is because of an issue with supply from the manufacturer. The affected blocks are eight, nine, 14, 15 and 16.
Should these parts of the stadium need to remain closed, fans will be notified. Refunds of tickets and reasonable travel expenses will be offered in compensation as well as a complimentary ticket to a Champions League fixture.
A final announcement will be made on Friday at 3pm.
A club statement read: “We continue to work with the manufacturer and our teams on site to ensure as many seats as possible are available.
“We sincerely apologise for this situation, we should have done better. We have tried everything possible to avoid it, but due to the bespoke nature of the fittings we have no alternative but to wait and see if the supplier can meet our manufacturing and fitting deadlines.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.