Fans criticise Chelsea over Baku trip

Chelsea have been accused of abandoning their fans and showing little concern for the problems caused by the Europa League final being staged in Azerbaijan.

Arsenal, their opponents next Wednesday, have publicly condemned the decision to play the final in Baku.

Neither club will sell their allocation of 6,000 tickets. Chelsea will return around 4,000, and fans who are making the journey face expensive and gruelling trips.

The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust approached the club with several suggestions, but claims it was ignored.

A Trust statement said: “We are extremely disappointed that Chelsea have been unable or unwilling to help supporters overcome the travel, expense and logistics in order for them to support the team in a European final. We suggested a subsidy for travelling supporters, having calculated the negligible financial impact on the club, given revenue earned from the competition.

“This is pertinent considering that Thomas Cook is charging an extortionate £979 for the official package for the day trip to Baku.”

Thomas Cook says it has been difficult to source aircraft that will fly direct to Baku and claims the distance pushes up the price.

The Trust added: “The lack of a statement from Chelsea is disappointing. Arsenal issued a statement expressing frustration and disappointment on behalf of their supporters.”

Fans are also unhappy that Chelsea will not screen the final at Stamford Bridge, as Tottenham are doing at their ground with the Champions League final.