Chelsea at war with Uefa and Barcelona after stewards’ baton ‘attack’ on fans as Blues supporters cleared of wrongdoing

CHELSEA have gone to war with Barcelona and Uefa in defence of their travelling fans.

Chairman Bruce Buck has even led a delegation of Stamford Bridge top brass to confront European football’s governing body over an incident at the Nou Camp last March.

Chelsea lost 3-0 in a Champions League match marred by incidents in which numerous visiting supporters clashed with baton-wielding Barcelona security personnel.

The Premier League club was incensed when they were charged over the behaviour of their fans while the host club got off scot-free despite claims of brutality by Spanish stewards.

Chelsea have finally won a battle to clear their name but still want Barcelona to be censured for their heavy-handed approach on big European nights.

A statement from Chelsea read: “Before and after the game a series of serious incidents took place, including Chelsea fans being attacked with batons by FC Barcelona security staff.

‘EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED’

“The incidents resulted in injuries to a large number of our fans, with many others feeling that their safety was endangered.

“The Club originally faced charges for the behaviour of its own fans, however, following an appeal process, we are pleased to confirm that Uefa have concluded that Chelsea supporters’ conduct in approaching and leaving the stadium did not violate Uefa rules.

“Notwithstanding this, Chelsea is extremely disappointed by the decision of the Uefa Appeal Body to reject our request that disciplinary proceedings be opened against FC Barcelona.

“On 18 June 2019, a senior delegation led by Chairman Bruce Buck met with Uefa executives in Switzerland to discuss measures that could be put in place to help ensure that lessons are learned from safety incidents at matches in Uefa competitions.“

Tottenham fans claimed they suffered similar rough treatment from Barcelona officials when their team played at the Nou Camp nine months after Chelsea’s visit in December last year.

Chelsea took a large number of witness statements to help win their case which comes two days after the club banned supporter Colin Wing for life for racially abusing Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling.

Chelsea were also investigated by UEFA last season following claims their supporters chanted racist songs at a Europa League game in Hungary but no charges were brought.

Last weekend new Chelsea boss Frank Lampard appealed to fans to stop singing a song in his honour which also referred to ‘pikeys’ – members of the travelling community – in a dig at rivals West Ham.