Chelsea accused of 'clear exploitation' over Stamford Bridge tickets for Leeds United clash

Chelsea have been accused of 'clear exploitation of supporter loyalty' over ticket prices for the upcoming visit of Leeds United to Stamford Bridge.

Frank Lampard's men are set to welcome the Whites to the capital on December 5 in Premier League action.

The hosts will be able to open the doors to home supporters at Stamford Bridge for the first time since early March after behind closed doors restrictions were lifted this week.

Up to 2,000 fans will be in attendance under the new government guidelines, with London being under Tier 2 guidance following the second national lockdown, which ends on December 2, amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Blues fans have been left frustrated at pricing for the clash with the Whites, and the Chelsea Supporters Trust (CST) have hit out at the 'eye-watering' prices, which are being sold by ballot to season ticket holders and hospitality members only.

A statement read: "The CST is extremely disappointed with the CFC announcement regarding the return of supporters to Stamford Bridge.

"Throughout all discussions we have had with the club, the consensus was that tickets would be sold on 50% loyalty points and 50% on a first-come, first-served basis with, potentially, a one price ticket for any part of the stadium.

"The club, in their wisdom, have decided to charge an eye-watering £75 for the majority of sold tickets. The CST is also appalled to learn that this price is the highest that any PL club is charging for tickets. At a time of financial uncertainty, for CFC to charge supporters £75 for a match ticket, the CST believe that this is clear exploitation of supporter loyalty.

"The CST have expressed our disappointment and anger to the club representatives in a phone meeting this morning and will continue to push for a more appropriate scheme in the upcoming months."

Chelsea responded by saying that the club "empathise with the many who will be disappointed to initially miss out".

Adding: "We listened to all the feedback, and we appreciate that not everyone will agree with the system being put in place.

"But at the very heart of all the decisions we have made on this matter is the desire to be as fair as possible to as many as possible. We ask for your patience as we work our way through all season ticket-holders eligible to attend."