Chelsea
have taken legal action against 11 ticket touts operating around Stamford
Bridge on matchdays, with one receiving a six-month prison sentence.
The High Court has ordered injunctions preventing the touts from trading
tickets to matches at Stamford Bridge, and also stops them from loitering
near the ground on match days.
All 11 touts have also been ordered to cover Chelsea's costs, which amount
to more than £170,000.
Chelsea say they will act to fully enforce the court orders, and that any
breach could lead to the touts receiving prison sentences.
Chelsea's legal action comes as part of an operation against touts which
will continue throughout the 2019-20 season.
Touts are particularly active around Fulham Broadway station, which many
fans use to travel to Stamford Bridge, and on the Fulham Road, which leads
to the stadium.
A Chelsea statement read: "Ticket touting is known to have links to
organised crime. The action taken against touts operating around Stamford
Bridge sends a strong message to others looking to engage in such criminal
and anti-social behaviour.
"This football club will not tolerate touting and will continue to identify
offenders and take further legal action through the courts to ensure that
our club and the surrounding area are safe for our loyal supporters and
visitors."
Chelsea add that any individuals using tickets purchased illegally will be
denied entry to Stamford Bridge.
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