A COUPLE from Reading who are lifelong Chelsea FC fans were transported back to Stamford Bridge to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.

Dave and Cathie have been Chelsea tickets holders for as long as they have been married and were looking forward to sharing their golden anniversary with 40,000 fellow Chelsea fans at a game.

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A plan that was soon quashed due to the current pandemic.

Three, Chelsea FC’s official partner and shirt sponsor, gave the couple the chance to once again feel the thrill of match day run through their veins.

Three stepped in with an immersive recreation of Stamford Bridge that transported the couple back to the place they love, creating an unforgettable experience in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary.

The couple were invited to a meeting to discuss an upcoming fan project and what happened next was something the couple would never forget.

With a normal Saturday game about to kick-off, Dave and Cathie were quietly watching via their phones until the blank walls around them in the room they were sat in started to transform.

First developing into their own living room and then transforming the whole area into a full and buzzing simulation of Stamford Bridge on matchday.

As the noise of the fans began to crescendo around them, they had prime seats to watch the players emerging from the tunnel, and take their positions for the game - Dave and Cathie, for the first time since March, finally immersed in the electric atmosphere of every Blues’ second home.

For a full 90 minutes the couple once again experienced the magic of matchday together, from each pass, interception, tackle, shot, and goal scored.

Dave said: “It was an absolutely fantastic experience to be able to be back at Stamford Bridge for matchday with Cathie.

"Within the first few minutes of the game I really felt like I was back at the Bridge again.

"Getting lost in the chanting and seeing all the other fans around us.

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"We really thought we weren’t going to be back in the stadium this year but part of me feels like I have now.

"It’s really made us want to get back more than ever.”

Guy Laurence, CEO at Chelsea FC, added: “This was an innovative idea from our partner, Three, and through the power of connectivity they managed to capture the matchday experience for this couple’s anniversary which was so special.

“It’s clear to everyone how much the fans are sorely missed at sporting arenas around the world.

"When it is safe to do so, we look forward to welcoming back our fans to Stamford Bridge and the incredible atmosphere they create.”