Ipswich warn fans over travel delay for Chelsea clash as army investigate ‘unexploded shell’

IPSWICH TOWN have issued a warning to travelling fans as the army investigate an "unexploded shell" in Suffolk.

The Tractor Boys told their supporters to allow extra time for their journey to Portman Road ahead of the club's home clash with Chelsea this evening.

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Ipswich posted on X to tell their followers that their journey to the stadium could take longer than expected.

A statement posted on the Suffolk Police X account read: "A 100m cordon is being put in place at Bourne Bridge, Ipswich, awaiting an army team to examine a possible unexploded shell.

"People should allow extra time for their journeys as road closures are likely to affect the A137/B1456 and A137/Hawes Street roundabouts."

The issue has since been dealt with and Ipswich vs Chelsea is still scheduled to kick off at 7:45pm.

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A further statement from Suffolk Police confirmed that the explosives disposal team had "made the device safe" and allowed the roads to re-open.

The suspected shell had been found just two miles away from the Tractor Boys' home ground Portman Road.

Ipswich fans will be pleased that they won't miss out on action due to the delays, with Kieran McKenna's men looking to get the better of stumbling Chelsea side.

Ipswich will be hoping they can take advantage of facing Enzo Maresca's Blues amid their first real slump of the season.

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Chelsea have struggled over the festive period, picking up just one point from their clashes against Fulham and Everton.

Ipswich will be buoyed by running Arsenal close at the Emirates on Friday in a tight game that saw them narrowly lose 1-0 to the Gunners.

The Tractor Boys remain in the drop zone, but can leapfrog relegation rivals Leicester with a win over Chelsea after the Foxes lost 2-0 to Man City yesterday.

For Chelsea, tonight's game is an opportunity to climb back into second place ahead of Arsenal's New Years Day trip to Brentford.