Chelsea Women stop autographs at games over safety

Chelsea Women players will extremity giving autographs and photos astatine their Kingsmeadow ground, pinch nan nine saying that doing truthful is "no longer safe aliases sustainable".

The London nine opportunity a instrumentality advisory committee and nan women's side's supporters' group person reviewed nan determination and fixed their support.

Increased attendances crossed nan women's crippled person made it little feasible for players to beryllium capable to extremity astatine nan extremity of fixtures.

The supporters' group said it was a "tough decision" but an "essential one".

"There were occasions past play that led to concerns astir nan information and information of some supporters and players, mostly owed to nan rising numbers who are seeking signatures and selfies earlier and aft games," Chelsea said.

England's players now do a thigh astir nan transportation aft matches to let fans to show their appreciation and - though location is nary directive preventing Lionesses stopping for supporters - it is not ever realistic for players to beryllium capable to meet nan demands of larger crowds.

With their players nary longer interacting aft games, Chelsea opportunity they will alternatively beryllium hosting organised opportunities for meetings to hap distant from matches.

Responding to nan decision, nan Chelsea Women Supporters Group posted connected X: "We understand immoderate fans will beryllium disappointed pinch nan changes.

"Matchdays person go unsafe wrong and extracurricular nan stadium and players are getting unnecessary maltreatment if they don't stop."

Kingsmeadow, which was formerly nan location of men's nine AFC Wimbledon, has a capacity of astir 5,000. Chelsea besides play a number of games astatine Stamford Bridge.