Celery

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Celery, or Apium graveolens, is a plant species in the family Apiaceae. It has a long-standing association with Chelsea fans, going back at least to the 1980s, who ritually throw the herb while singing a related song, which pre-dates the throwing of celery by fans.

Celery is banned from Stamford Bridge, but continues to be thrown at away grounds and at pubs before games. The origin of the tradition is unclear, with speculation that Mickey Greenaway introduced the song, though it is known that the tradition of throwing celery began in the Shed End [1].

Ban

At the ill-tempered 2007 League Cup Final, Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas was pelted with celery while taking a corner in front of the Chelsea fans [2].

Referees had also mentioned that celery was thrown onto the pitch during matches, and, under pressure from the FA, Chelsea posted a statement on the club website reminding fans that throwing celery at a football match is a criminal offence:

"The throwing of anything at a football match, including celery, is a criminal offence for which you can be arrested and end up with a criminal record," read a statement on the club website. "In future, if anyone is found attempting to bring celery into Stamford Bridge they could be refused entry and anyone caught throwing celery will face a ban."

The statement went on to direct fans to a hotline they could call to report others seen carrying celery, promising that "all calls will be treated in confidence".
The Guardian

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