Chelsea’s Conference League clash with Servette descends into chaos as away fans clash with police at Stamford Bridge
CHELSEA's tie against Servette descended into chaos before it even started.
As Swiss away fans clashed with the Metropolitan police outside Stamford Bridge before their Europa Conference League first-leg play-off tie.
A group of Servette fans were being penned outside the stadium before being allowed into the Shed End.
But the visitors seemed to grow impatient with the hold up.
The Swiss away supporters then began breaking through the line of stewards and were held back by police.
At least one officer had their baton raised, before reinforcements were called half-an-hour before kick-off.
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However, it soon quietened down as fans were slowly allowed inside the Bridge to watch their side take on Premier League opposition.
Several high-profile players are absent from the bloated 43-man Chelsea roster.
As expected, Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell are not included and Kepa Arrizabalaga, Trevoh Chalobah and Armando Broja are also left out as they continue to be linked with exits.
Chelsea have to qualify for the new Conference League format by getting past Servette - who finished third in their domestic campaign last season.
Follow Chelsea vs Servette's SunSport live blog here.
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The Blues thought they had managed Europa League qualification, but were pushed out of the competition when Manchester United lifted the FA Cup and took their spot.
Chelsea fans will not be able to flick their TVs on to watch Enzo Maresca and Co take on Servette.
That's because there are no British TV rights for the playoff stage of the Europa League and the Conference League.
Maresca made nine changes to his Chelsea side that lost 2-0 to Manchester City in their Prem opener.
Tosin Adarabioyo and Filip Jorgensen will play their first games for the club.
While Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Pedro Neto, Marc Guiu and Renato Veiga all recieved their first full debuts.
Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile and Mykhailo Mudryk are the other fresh faces, with Moises Caicedo and Christopher Nkunku retaining their places from Sunday.