A wartime match fixing scandal is the focus of our next heritage event

As part of our pre match Remembrance activities on 31st October, our Those Were the Days heritage event will take a closer look at a football scandal dating back to 1915 where Chelsea was the ultimate victim of a match between Manchester Utd and Liverpool that was later found to be rigged! Our Chelsea Heritage Partner and official Chelsea historian Rick Glanvill will tell the story of the scandal and the repercussions in his latest screened presentation.

This will form part of our Remembrance fixture event that takes place in the Stamford Bridge Tea Bar prior to our lunchtime game against Manchester Utd on Saturday 31st October 2026, from 10.30am

As has become customary at this most poignant fixture of the season, we will be joined by personnel from the armed services as they prepare for their on pitch duties before kick off. Come along, have a chat and find out about their important work.

While at the event, you can also view the documentary Boys in Khaki, Boys in Blue, one of Rick's many informative presentations, this one about players and staff who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Great War. Museum staff will also be on hand to give background information to the artefacts they have provided for display.

And, subject to matchday duties, we hope to be joined by some of our former players who are always keen to catch up with supporters. We should also have poppies on sale, in aid of the Royal British Legion.

All this to the backdrop of some iconic clips of games against Manchester Utd courtesy of Chelsea Heritage Partner James Abba of Chelsea Lookback.

We look forward to seeing you there. Refreshments will be on sale.

In Flanders Fields

by John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,     

That mark our place: and in the sky     

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,     

Loved and were loved, and now we lie,         

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw     

The torch; be yours to hold it high.     

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow         

In Flanders fields.