Chelsea
have been handed a reduced ticket allocation for next month's Champions
League clash at Paris Saint-Germain due to the ongoing heightened security
following the Paris terrorist attacks.
The Blues will receive 1,400 tickets for the last-16 first leg tie at the
Parc des Princes on February 16, 700 down on last season's allocation for
the same stage.
It is the third time in three seasons Chelsea have been drawn with PSG and
last season's tie was marred when a black commuter was blocked from boarding
a train by fans travelling to the game in an allegedly racist incident which
the club condemned.
A statement on Chelsea's
official club website read: "The reduced
number does compare favourably with other clubs playing Champions League
games this season at Parc des Princes.
"Ajax and Anderlecht were given approximately 800 tickets for their most
recent games there. Away supporters at domestic league matches in Paris are
not allowed following November's terrorist attacks.
"While we are disappointed that not all our fans who want to go to the game
will now be able to attend, we appreciate the Parisien authorities are
operating in a heightened security environment."
Chelsea made representations in order to get the full allocation but were
unsuccessful, with the allegedly racist incident on the Paris Metro in last
year's visit a factor.
"The club made our best effort to obtain the full allocation but was advised
it would not be possible due to issues that occurred with Chelsea fans in
the Paris tube and elsewhere last year, in addition to the ongoing security
situation," the statement added.
Supporters with tickets will also be required to wear a wristband to gain
entry to the stadium.
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