Saints supporters travelling to Stamford Bridge on Saturday for the game against Chelsea will need to be able to prove via the NHS app they are vaccinated or produce a negative lateral flow test from within 48 hours of the 3pm kick-off.

So far this season the checks at football grounds for Covid 19 vaccination or proof of a negative test have not been mandatory, they have been implemented only as a practice run and those who haven't been able to produce proof of either double vaccination or a negative test have still been allowed to enter, however it seems that now these checks will now mean a refusal of entry to football grounds if the requisite proof cannot be produced.

It seems that Chelsea may turn away supporters if they cannot produce either on Saturday and will also require fans to wear a face covering inside the stadium.

However if they cannot produce either then they will be offered a lateral flow test at the stadium, if they refuse that test they will then be barred from entering the ground, with no exceptions.

As a courtesy to the Saints supporters travelling to Chelsea we have reproduced the guidance printed on the official Southampton Football Club website below.

Southampton Football Club would like to inform fans with tickets for Saturday's match at Stamford Bridge that Chelsea are implementing additional COVID-safe entry criteria to protect supporters at the stadium this season.

This means that, if you are attending the game, you will have to share your COVID status before entering the ground — either by demonstrating that you have received both doses of your vaccination or have completed a negative lateral flow test within 48 hours of the 3pm kick-off.

HOW TO ACCESS YOUR NHS COVID PASS
A face covering or mask must also be worn in all indoor areas of the stadium — including the concourses — except for when you are eating or drinking, but not when seated or walking outside of the stadium.

As a result of the above, we recommend arriving at Stamford Bridge early, as it may take a little longer than usual to get into the stadium.

A list of FAQs is available below, and any fans wanting further information should feel free to contact our Supporter Services team.

COVID entry condition FAQs for Chelsea away

Why are Chelsea enforcing this?

Chelsea have taken the decision to do this to reassure supporters that they can feel as safe as possible at matches and to help ensure the stadium is a COVID-free environment.

When will I be checked?

All supporters will be checked upon entry to the turnstiles.

What if I am exempt from the vaccine or being tested?

Chelsea FC are aware of the NHS guidance around exemptions from both the vaccines and testing. All stewards will have been briefed to make allowances for anyone presenting an exemption cue card.

What will be accepted as proof of being double vaccinated?

You can share your COVID status via the NHS app, COVID vaccination card or by relevant text or email.

Who needs to complete a test if you are not double vaccinated?

Chelsea FC are asking that anyone over the age of 11 completes a lateral flow test within 48 hours of attending the fixture. Test results can be registered on the NHS app to help you quickly and easily share your COVID status.

When do turnstiles open?

Two hours before kick-off, allowing plenty of time for checks.

If these checks haven’t been made mandatory by the government, what happens if a supporter refuses?

Any supporter that does not have proof of vaccination or a lateral flow test result will be offered a lateral flow test to enable them to gain entry into the Stadium. Supporters who refuse will not be allowed entry to the stadium under the Chelsea FC ground regulations.

The link to the full article is below

https://www.southamptonfc.com/news/2021-09-30/chelsea-southampton-ticket-holder-

Photo: Action Images

Jellybaby added 19:03 - Sep 30 Welcome to the Totalitarian state. Would rather stay home and watch it on some dodgy link than bow the knee to covid tyranny.
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mattthelegend added 19:17 - Sep 30 Welcome to the future. 😔
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LoisDeem added 18:17 - Oct 5 Good to see some football clubs trying to do what’s best. Trust they’re encouraging their players to vaccinate and test too. Strikes me that it’s all the billy big shots that travel unchecked with this lurgy.
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