I'm not going to complain about the result today, even the injustice of their second goal doesn't excuse our total capitulation in the second half of that match.
The issue which I would like to bring up is the disgraceful behaviour of a minority of Chelsea's fans prior to today's match. I have often read comments on here regarding Chelsea's 'classless support', however have always taken this label with a pinch of salt and not been drawn into regurgitating what I thought to be a baseless stereotype.
What I witnessed today at Wembley has totally altered my view of this label, I now regard it to be entirely justified.
I hadn't managed to get hold of a ticket to the match today, so when a Chelsea supporting friend of mine rang me at lunch time today offering me a seat in the Chelsea end I cautiously accepted it, it wasn't ideal but seemed preferable to the alternative of watching alone at home. I now regret going to today's match not because of the disappointing result, but because I witnessed the single most despicable lack of respect I have seen from any supporters in a lifetime of supporting numerous sports.
Those who were at the match today, and possibly those who watched on t.v. will know that I am referring to the chanting by sections of the Chelsea support during the minute's silence prior to the game. A moment which had been intended to pay respect to the memory of 96 football fans and 1 football player was marred by the idiotic and disgusting chanting of "Murderers" by a section of Chelsea fans. From where I was sat in the corner I could hear two distinct groups of supporters who were continuing with this chant, both of them sizeable, and while it is true that there were attempts to 'shush' these animals by many other Chelsea supporters, these were nowhere near forceful enough in my opinion. I hope the relevant authorities are able to identify the offenders and ban them indefinitely from future sporting events, their actions are inexcusable; they have embarrassed not only their club, but also ours, and have damaged the reputation of this country's football fans in front of a global audience.
The issue which I would like to bring up is the disgraceful behaviour of a minority of Chelsea's fans prior to today's match. I have often read comments on here regarding Chelsea's 'classless support', however have always taken this label with a pinch of salt and not been drawn into regurgitating what I thought to be a baseless stereotype.
What I witnessed today at Wembley has totally altered my view of this label, I now regard it to be entirely justified.
I hadn't managed to get hold of a ticket to the match today, so when a Chelsea supporting friend of mine rang me at lunch time today offering me a seat in the Chelsea end I cautiously accepted it, it wasn't ideal but seemed preferable to the alternative of watching alone at home. I now regret going to today's match not because of the disappointing result, but because I witnessed the single most despicable lack of respect I have seen from any supporters in a lifetime of supporting numerous sports.
Those who were at the match today, and possibly those who watched on t.v. will know that I am referring to the chanting by sections of the Chelsea support during the minute's silence prior to the game. A moment which had been intended to pay respect to the memory of 96 football fans and 1 football player was marred by the idiotic and disgusting chanting of "Murderers" by a section of Chelsea fans. From where I was sat in the corner I could hear two distinct groups of supporters who were continuing with this chant, both of them sizeable, and while it is true that there were attempts to 'shush' these animals by many other Chelsea supporters, these were nowhere near forceful enough in my opinion. I hope the relevant authorities are able to identify the offenders and ban them indefinitely from future sporting events, their actions are inexcusable; they have embarrassed not only their club, but also ours, and have damaged the reputation of this country's football fans in front of a global audience.
