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Brighton admitted 2,524 supporters, with strict social distancing measures in place and to sit in the sparsely populated bleachers.
The preseason game was part of a series of pilot events announced by the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport for a gradual return of viewers following the ban on mass gatherings introduced in March due to the coronavirus outbreak.
There were many hand sanitizing points at the entrances to the ground, while fans also had to cover their faces, many wearing the blue and white colors of the Seagulls, while queuing to enter, although not while seated.
A digital match ticket was scanned to enter the stadium, with cashless transactions at the kiosks and there were posters reminding fans of the need to wash their hands regularly.
When the action began, Chelsea, who has several players in quarantine after returning from their summer vacation and following government guidelines on self-isolation, took an early lead after just four minutes.
Moroccan international Hakim Ziyech, one of several new recruits, crossed for Callum Hudson-Odoi to knock the ball down and the arrival of summer Timo Werner conceded home.
Brighton He had a chance to equalize five minutes into the second half after Lewis Dunk was brought down by Antonio Rudiger to award a penalty.
Blues goalkeeper Willy Caballero, who replaced Kepa Arrizabalaga at half-time, saved Neal Maupay’s penalty shot.
Chelsea Winger Ziyech, a summer signing from Ajax, was replaced after it appeared he had twisted his knee.
During the latter stages, Seagulls backup goalkeeper Christian Walton had to be carried off on a stretcher with what appeared to be a serious ankle injury after falling after a curve.
Brighton secured a tie in injury time when Aaron Connolly was fouled by Ethan Ampadu and Pascal Gross converted the penalty.
The Seagulls will once again host Chelsea in their first Premier League game on September 14, which is currently scheduled to be played behind closed doors.
POTTER ALEGRE SEE FANS BACK
Brighton boss Graham Potter hopes more fans will have a chance to see the team in action again soon.
“I thought it was a fantastic day, a small step to get back to normal as soon as we can safely do it,” Potter told the club’s official website.
“It was really nice to see the fans here because as we know it brings a completely different dynamic to the stadium and I thought they made a lot of noise and really got involved in the game. Hopefully they enjoyed the performance too.
“I think the people at the club deserve a lot of credit for the work they have done and I hope it was the first successful step towards getting back to normal at some point in the future.”
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