Lincoln City have pledged a tougher stance on discriminatory behaviour after identifying around 30 supporters involved in offensive chanting during the Carabao Cup tie against Chelsea.
The club and its Fan Advisory Board have confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with some cases expected to lead to criminal charges as part of a joint process with Lincolnshire Police.
Lincoln City Take Swift Action
The latest Fan Advisory Board meeting, held before the home fixture with Exeter City, focused heavily on the fallout from the high-profile Chelsea game. Representatives from Chelsea Pride, Chelsea, and a Lincoln family directly affected by the chanting attended to share how the incidents had impacted both visiting and home supporters.
“On behalf of all Lincoln City supporters, the Fans Advisory Board unreservedly apologises to Chelsea Pride, Chelsea FC, and their fans,” the statement read. “We will continue to work closely with our club and other supporter groups to eradicate such behaviour and create a better matchday experience for everyone.”
Commentating Lincoln – Chelsea tonight
Lincoln last beat Chelsea in 1907 in an FA Cup Replay. As a result, Chelsea signed Lincoln’s goalscorer and poached their manager David Calderhead – he’d go on to manage Chelsea for 26 years
With the money Chelsea have, same again please! pic.twitter.com/6HNstuJPN5
— TomFM (@TomFM_YT) September 23, 2025
The fixture, which was televised nationally, was punctuated by a stadium announcement warning fans about discriminatory chanting. Since then, Lincoln City have worked alongside police to identify approximately 30 individuals through CCTV footage.
The incidents are being treated as hate crimes, with club disciplinary action expected to follow the conclusion of the investigation.
Formal Apology Incoming
Lincoln City have confirmed they will write formally to Chelsea to apologise on behalf of their fanbase. The club also intends to present evidence of its immediate response to the Football Association, which is currently reviewing the incident and is expected to impose sanctions.
Internally, the board reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy toward discrimination and pledged to expand supporter education programmes. Both club officials and supporters’ representatives agreed that the long-term focus must be on awareness, early intervention, and stronger matchday messaging rather than reactive punishment alone.
In addition, inconsistent stewarding standards at certain away fixtures were raised as a concern by travelling fans. This feedback will now be shared with relevant authorities to encourage consistent enforcement across League One venues.
Sights set on Lincoln. 👊 pic.twitter.com/FjUG0wfpow
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 22, 2025
Lincoln’s proactivity has drawn wider attention across the EFL, with several clubs expected to review their own supporter conduct protocols. The Imps remain committed to using the Chelsea fixture as a learning moment, reinforcing their reputation as a community-driven club determined to confront discrimination head-on while protecting the inclusive matchday culture built in recent years.
On the pitch, the Imps came close to a famous upset against Premier League opposition. They took the lead shortly before half-time when Enzo Fernandez’s misplaced pass was intercepted by Ivan Varfolomeev, who set up Rob Street to finish coolly past Filip Jorgensen.
The lead lasted only a few minutes after the restart as Tyrique George equalised with a low strike in off the post, before the Chelsea youngster turned provider for Facundo Buonanotte to make it 2–1. Despite late pressure from Lincoln, the visitors held on to progress to the next round.
