Leeds fan falls from top tier of stand in celebrating goal against Chelsea
A Leeds United supporter is believed to have fallen from the top tier of the Shed End at Stamford Bridge while celebrating the visiting team’s opening goal against Chelsea on Wednesday night.
Leeds took the lead in their FA Cup fifth-round defeat to Chelsea through Mateo Joseph, which prompted the incident that is now being investigated.
'You can be too clever, or you can be daft, and that was 𝗱𝗮𝗳𝘁' 😬
Chaos at the back for Chelsea and Mateo Joseph capitalises! #ITVFootball | @EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/94tAkpvfe8— ITV Football (@itvfootball) February 28, 2024
Both clubs put out short statements after the final whistle and it was reported that the fan was carried out of the stadium on a stretcher in a neck brace.
The Leeds statement said: “Leeds United can confirm an incident involving a Leeds United supporter occurred in the Shed End of Stamford Bridge during the first-half of tonight’s FA Cup game.
“The incident is being investigated and is in the hands of the emergency services. We will be making no further comment at this time.”
Leeds manager Daniel Farke was unaware of the incident involving the fan, but said: “Football is unbelievably serious, but the health of each human being is more important than football or football results. So for that if there is something serious then our best wishes and prayers and fingers crossed. Hopefully, it’s not too bad.”
In a statement, Chelsea added: “Chelsea FC can confirm an incident involving a Leeds United supporter occurred in the Shed End of Stamford Bridge during the first-half of tonight’s FA Cup game.”
There was no delay to the game and the incident went largely unnoticed among the majority of the Stamford Bridge home crowd. It did not stop the away fans wildly celebrating Joseph’s second goal in the second half.
He's only gone and scored again 😲
Mateo Joseph is having an incredible night!#ITVFootball | @EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/ce7AdHr5Du— ITV Football (@itvfootball) February 28, 2024
Leeds were allocated 5,366 tickets for the Cup tie as the clash between the former top-flight rivals was deemed “high risk” by authorities, resulting in reductions to the number of supporters in attendance for both teams.
It is the second time that such an incident has occurred in the FA Cup this season, after a Maidstone United fan suffered a fall during the fourth-round victory over Ipswich United. The man was among away supporters in the upper tier of the Cobbold Stand at Portman Road for his team’s 2-1 victory, though it was later confirmed that no one was seriously injured.