Handle left hanging off after three security personnel had an
after-hours photo session with Roman Abramovich's most prized
possession.
It has been reported that three members of
Chelsea FC staff have been suspended, after the Champions League
trophy got damaged in an unauthorised photo session.
One of the handles of the trophy was hanging off after
three security personnel popped in out of their usual hours to pose
for pictures with the jug to show to friends.
Having broken the jug, they apparently did the only reasonable
thing when you've knackered the boss's prize possession - put it
back and hope no-one noticed.
But a member of staff spotted the damage the following
day and reported it to club officials. The trophy was sent to a
London silversmith for emergency repairs.
Chelsea have reportedly confirmed that the site visit
was unauthorised, and the personnel in question did not have
permission to be in the building out of hours. The club's chief
executive Ron Gourlay is conducting an internal investigation.
The trophy was not locked away when one of the handles
was broken – Chelsea have apparently been passing it around various
departments at Stamford Bridge.
A club spokesman said: "The trophy was accidentally
damaged while pictures were being taken. It was minor damage and
has already been repaired. We don't make comment on staff
matters."