WOKE Chelsea fans are swapping traditional half-time meat pies – for vegan doner kebabs.
The Premier League side launched its new plant-based fast food range before Tuesday’s clash with Arsenal.
Blues supporters were also able to tuck into vegan pizza, buffalo cauliflower wings and halloumi and falafel wraps.
Chelsea are the first club in the top flight to launch an all-vegan food counter, as part of a green drive by the West London club to reduce its carbon footprint.
The trendy CFC Vegan Kitchen is located in the West Stand of Stamford Bridge and also doesn’t use single use plastic.
Yet fans who sit elsewhere in the stadium can pre-order the plant-based dishes on the club’s app.
However, supporters are mixed over the new vegan range, with Tim Hollins saying: “Good excuse to go to a game lol.”
Matthew Soakell added: “One for me to try at Chelsea away.”
Yet Chelsea fan Rob Gibson quipped: “Two pints of lager and a vegan doner kebab please.”
Kieran Hornsby said: “Queue won’t be long hahaha.”
Ellie Hellings added: “Time to support a different team.”
Michael O’Keeffe said: “Halloumi? Vegan? #confused.”
Adrian Adanson joked: “So that’s why they can’t play a full game.”
Chelsea drew 2-2 with the Gunners after a late equaliser from Hector Bellerin – who went vegan three years ago.
Blues supporter Andre Thabiso said: “Chelsea letting a Vegan score against them? Disgusting.”
A Chelsea spokesperson said: “Both Chelsea and official catering partner Levy UK committed to provide more plant-based dishes as part of the four-year contract extension announced last summer, looking specifically at the carbon impact of the animal products used on site as well as the EAT Lancet ‘ideal plate’ for planetary and personal health.
“Under Levy Cares, Levy UK has committed to deliver a 50 per cent reduction in beef consumption, cut 30 per cent of sugars out of menus and through culinary innovation and ingredient re-purposing will reduce food waste by 20 per cent by the end of this year.
“In addition, the vegan kiosk avoids single use plastics, in line with our own strong Environmental Policy.
“Through Levy UK’s reduce, re-use and review policy, the company committed to reduce plastic waste and has launched a re-usable cup initiative across all its venues.
“Fans, media and guests are encouraged to use reusable cups and once finished, place them in designated drop-off points around stadium concourses or return them to any bar.”
Simon Hunter, Chelsea head of venue and development, said: ‘We are pleased to be offering sports fans plant-based alternatives at our venue.
“Reducing our environmental impact as well as offering fans plant-based options where we can is something we’re very committed to, and the launch of the vegan kiosk with Levy UK is a further positive step in doing so.
“Chelsea FC takes pride in its forward-thinking and innovative approach within the sports sector as to how we can improve the fan experience.
“The vegan kiosk is part of our mission to innovate, by creating something unique for fans that tastes great.”
Jon Davies, managing director at Levy UK, said: ‘There’s a demand for football stadiums to follow consumer demand for more sustainable, responsible and diverse food and drink options.
“Adopting a reductionist approach where possible will allow us to provide great-tasting, plant-based food as well as combating food waste and reducing our impact on the environment.
“The launch of the vegan kiosk with Chelsea FC is testament to both parties’ commitment to tackle issues surrounding more sustainable menu options.”
