NO WINNERS, EXCEPT FANS

AFTER the machinations and recriminations you sensed the match that followed would be short on stimulation.

Chelsea v Brighton was very much the undercard – the big fight had already been won.

Rescuing their club from the brink of European isolation mattered far more to Chelsea fans, massed outside Stamford Bridge in the hours leading up to this contest.

They hurled beer in the air and caution to the wind as the word on the street came through that the Blues were pulling out of the European Super League.

They hugged each other, maskless, in scenes that would have had the scientists crying on Chris Whitty’s shoulder.

Supporters may still be banned from the stands but they nevertheless had the final say over a scheme soaked in avarice that threatened to bring football to its knees.

It was a protest that turned into a party, with hundreds of beer bottles strewn across the streets in front of the ground following the news of Chelsea’s cold feet. Some fans clenched their fists and screamed into the air; others sang, loud and proud, defiant and unashamed.

The King’s Road was closed to traffic as fans from several clubs joined forces to show solidarity against the dirty dozen.

English football fans have had their issues over the years but when they come together with a passion to fight a common enemy, boy, can they make it work. The Premier League is already a super league. It isn’t perfect and the hegemony of UEFA and FIFA probably does need challenging. We also need an examination of the weak domestic governance that allowed the so-called Big Six to pick up their ball and try to walk away.

For now, though, football is staying home. The outcome of this frankly dull game didn’t matter.

For the record, Chelsea had the better of the first half, Reece James going close (top), but Brighton were the more dangerous team after the break.

Adam Lallana (above) capitalised when Kurt Zouma dawdled but fired his left-foot shot wide when he should have done much better. Then Danny Welbeck fired against the Chelsea post before Ben White was red-carded.

The final whistle signalled a draw - but one hell of a victory had already been won.

Kepa 7, Christensen 7, Zouma 7, Rudiger 7, James 7 Jorginho 6, Mount 7, Alonso 7 (Hudsonodoi 67, 6), Ziyech 6 (Giroud 77), Havertz 6 (Werner 67, 6), Pulisic 7

BRIGHTON: Sanchez 7, White 8, Dunk 7, Webster 7, Bissouma 7, Veltman 7, Gross 6, Macallister 6 (Maupay 74, 7), Burn 7, Trossard 6 (MOTM Lallana 60, 6), Welbeck 6

CHELSEA: