Chelsea have acknowledged receiving "multiple reports of sectarian chanting from a small portion" of fans following their 3-2 victory at Craven Cottage on 24 August. The club stated that they do not condone any discriminatory chants, and that fans found guilty would face "the strongest possible action".
The FA charge is based on alleged breaches of Rule E21, which states that clubs must ensure their spectators and/or supporters do not behave in an improper, offensive, abusive or insulting way. It's further alleged that this behaviour was discriminatory in that it included a reference, whether express or implied, to religion or belief.
Chelsea condemned similar behaviour in 2021, when a fan was seen on social media aiming sectarian abuse at Aston Villa's Scottish international John McGinn. The Blues are currently 10th in the Premier League on seven points after the opening five games.
Chelsea will now face a disciplinary hearing to respond to the FA charge.