Chelsea have announced that their women’s team will no longer sign autographs or take selfies with supporters after matches at Kingsmeadow.
The Blues are preparing to defend their Women’s Super League title and will host Aston Villa in their season opener at Kingsmeadow on September 20.
Sonia Bompastor’s are due to play Feyenoord in a pre-season friendly at Kingsmeadow this Saturday but ahead of the game, the club have announced ‘alterations to player access’.
Chelsea claim that the signing of autographs and posing for photos with supporters, a gesture in the women’s game which has helped build a strong relationship between players and fans, is ‘no longer safe or sustainable’.
A statement from Chelsea on Thursday read: ‘With many matches to follow at our main home stadium, we wish to make our supporters aware of alterations to player access for the 2024/25 season and beyond.
‘The rise in popularity of the women’s game and growth and success of Chelsea Women are causes for celebration but they come with new challenges, and it is no longer safe or sustainable for the players to sign autographs or have selfie photos taken with fans in an uncontrolled way. To balance this up, the club will be staging organised opportunities to meet and greet the Blues stars.
‘There were occasions last season that led to concerns about the safety and security of both supporters and players, largely due to the rising numbers who are seeking signatures and selfies before and after games.
‘As a result, players will no longer be able to stop for autographs etc. outside of Kingsmeadow Stadium pre- or post-match. The car parks and roads around the stadium are public land and therefore stewarding has a limited effect there. Preventing overcrowding and ensuring traffic safety are of paramount importance.
‘In addition, an increased risk of crowding at the front of the stands at Kingsmeadow and the blocking of exits, as well as the need for the players to adhere to elite-level recovery plans after matches, means autographs and photos will not be possible inside the stadium following the final whistle.
‘Our players love the chance to interact safely with the fans who give them such great support game after game, so look out this season for announcements on an increased number of events for match-going fans.
‘Signing sessions will be included in the range events and season ticket holders and Stamford Bridge Match Package holders will also have priority opportunities to attend.’
Last season, England goalkeeper, Mary Earps hit out at ‘hurtful’ criticism after a fan accused her of being ‘too important’ to meet their daughter after Manchester United’s win over Everton.
Earps, who joined Paris Saint-Germain this summer, frequently greeted supporters during her time at United and shared the mother’s comment on Instagram before adding: ‘I try to ignore comments like these – but after a great win & spending so much time post-game meeting so many of you lovely lot afterwards, it’s hurtful to get home and get tagged in comments like these. Be kind. Happy Sunday. Love Mary x’
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