Leboeuf claims that Stamford Bridge lacks atmosphere nowadays because we fans have become too used to success.
I think the man has a point. Chelsea fans have become complacent … I, for one, am ‘guilty as charged.
There are days when I turn up at The Bridge and the team have an off day – but rather than vocally trying to get them going, I slump down in my seat and wait to be entertained. Should the game improve, I am the first one on my feet singing and clapping…should it not, I sometimes retreat in to my shell. I have become, at times, reactive not proactive.
Of course, it would be naive to say that we are purely victims of our success…you have to factor things like ticket pricing, the idea of dedicated singing areas, number of tourist and corporate guests, safe standing etc …the list goes on..to see the bigger picture.
I was lucky enough to attend both semi finals in The Champions League in Madrid last year. The Vincente Calderon absolutely rocked. The Bernabeu was much more sedate – a bit like visiting The Emirates, Old Trafford or, dare I say it, Stamford Bridge on occasion.
Atletico fans were so passionate, Real fans gave off a calmer air of expectation. Real fans have had years and years of success, Atletico fans have not.
I’m all for showing passion at football matches but there comes a point though where you have to draw the line. The scenes at Villa Park on Saturday were ridiculous. The outpouring of joy should not become an outpouring on to the pitch… and what was even dafter was that it started happening a couple of times before the final whistle. It’s dangerous. Players from both sides and officials have the right to do their jobs in a safe environment. When your own captain describes the situation as “Scary” and gets bitten by his own fans in the chaos you know it has gone too far.
One of the problems is that people get afflicted by ‘sheep syndrome’ in these kind of tribal like situations.. you do things you certainly wouldn’t do in any other environment.
Bottom line. Let’s cheer our boys on from minute one to the very end of the match. Let’s show the world why Chelsea fans are the best – for all the right reasons. Let’s put all the negativity generated around the club in recent weeks to bed… Cos we are The Chelsea and we are the best!
Keep The Blue Flag Flying High!
