Chelsea fans outraged as club owners make Mourinho decision

Chelsea supporters have lashed out at the club’s hierarchy after ticket prices were hiked ahead of José Mourinho’s highly anticipated Stamford Bridge return with Benfica in the Champions League.

The move has been branded “shocking” and “a disgrace” by fans who feel priced out of one of the season’s most special fixtures.

The Blues announced that the clash with Benfica would be classed as a Category AA fixture, meaning adult general admission tickets would cost £83.

Junior and senior concessions have also been reduced in number, leaving many families struggling to secure affordable seats.

The backlash was swift, with fans voicing fury at the timing of the announcement, made just a week before the game.

Chelsea director Daniel Finkelstein attempted to defend the move on social media, insisting the club “needs revenue to compete.”

However, his reasoning was quickly shot down by supporters, who pointed to the lack of a shirt sponsor and the club’s lavish wage bill as bigger financial concerns than squeezing extra pounds from loyal match-goers.

Fan groups and individuals alike have criticised the owners for prioritising tourists and high-paying customers over long-time regulars.

One supporter told The Telegraph that football is becoming unaffordable for working-class fans, with his 12-year-old son’s ticket costing £50 due to the lack of children’s seats available.

Others argued that raising ticket prices contributes little compared to the millions wasted on failed sponsorship deals and transfer splurges.

The Chelsea Supporters Trust issued a strongly worded statement accusing the board of poor communication and “unjustifiable price increases,” adding that fans’ loyalty is being disregarded.

With Todd Boehly’s ownership already under scrutiny following record spending and mixed results on the pitch, the ticketing controversy has further widened the gap between the boardroom and the fans at Stamford Bridge.