DREARY GLEE
Snorefest can’t spoil fans’ night
CHELSEA ...... BRIGHTON ...... AFTER the machinations and recriminations, you sensed the match that followed would be short on stimulation.
Chelsea against Brighton was the undercard – the big fight had already been won.
Saving their club from the brink of European isolation mattered far more to Blues 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 Chelsea were pulling out of the Super League.
They hugged each other, maskless, in scenes that would have had the scientists crying on the top medical chief ’s shoulder.
Supporters may still be banned from the stands but they had the final say over a scheme soaked in selfinterest 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, defiant.
The King’s Road was closed to traffic as fans from several clubs joined forces to show solidarity against the dirty dozen.
The outcome of this frankly dull game didn’t matter.
For the record, Chelsea had the better of the first half with Reece James going close – although Brighton were the more dangerous team after the break.
Seagulls midfielder Adam Lallana, a former Liverpool player, said: “What has been shown is that together we are stronger than anything.
“It is great to see everyone coming together as one.
“We want games like this to have meaning.
“We are fighting for our lives, Chelsea are going for the Champions League.”