Chelsea owner wanted to surround Stamford Bridge with electric fence to stop invasions

dailystar.co.uk:

Chelsea owner Ken Bates sensationally erected a 12-foot high electric fence to deter animated supporters from entering the field of play.

Purchasing the Blues for a measly £1 in 1982, Bates' funds helped establish the falling west Londoners as a top-flight outfit and his premiership paved the path for Roman Abramovich's trophy-laden spell.Also ensuring the club maintained their current location, Chelsea were involved in long and arduous disputes with property developers Marler Estates, who were threatening to evict them from Stamford Bridge, Bates secured the future of the stadium through the creation of Chelsea Pitch Holders after reacquiring the relevant freeholds.READ MORE: N'Golo Kante injured for four months with Chelsea fans gutted 'it's ending like this'The 90-year-old was responsible for transforming the ground into its current 42,000 all-seater state but the Blues still faced troubles relating to hooliganism within sections of their fanbase.In order to prevent the troublesome scoundrels, Bates erected an electric fence around the perimeter of the pitch prior to their First Division clash against rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

The fence was aimed at warding off any potential pitch invaders with Bates planning to run 12 volts through its circuit.HAVE YOUR SAY!

Which Premier League ground has the most electrifying atmosphere? Let us know in the comments section."People may howl about it being dangerous but it's been used in farming for a long time," said Bates in 1985. "Any fan touching the fence will immediately have to let go and fall 15ft."Though the fence was soon dismantled after the local council refused him permission to turn on the electricity, leaving Bates enraged.