Chelsea Release Promising Youngster over Smoke Grenade Incident

Two weeks after a smoke bomb went off at Chelsea's training ground, the club has "parted company" with promising reserve player Jacob Mellis, according to The Telegraph.

The March 2nd incident caused a full evacuation procedure at the Cobham, Surrey complex. Reserve, youth and academy teams were forced to flee the building because of the thick smoke, and fire marshals were called to the scene.

Shortly after Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich was briefed, the club launched an internal inquiry, according to the Guardian.

Mellis' contract was terminated following what the club describes as a "full and thorough" investigation. Chelsea reserve player Billy Clifford also faced disciplinary action after admitting he brought the smoke grenade to the training center. Clifford was fined for his part in the incident.

Mellis has been at Chelsea since moving from Sheffield United, where he was a trainee in June of 2007. He was a part of the team that reached the final of the FA Youth Cup in 2008. He scored twice during the Cup run, but was sent off in the final.

Mellis made his first-team debut for the Blues in November 2010 during a Champions League match against MSK Zilina. In 2011, he scored twice during 15 appearances while out on a five-month loan to championship side Barnsley.