I am fed up of hearing about the “four stonewall” penalty appeals. Let’s share some hard facts. Twice now Chelsea have been eliminated from Europe and launched vitriolic attacks at the officials in charge. On both occasions the referees in question, guys trying to do very difficult jobs under intense pressure, have received death threats from Chelsea fans. Anders Frisk retired immediately and Tom Henning Ovrebo was snuck out of the country under armed guard. Clearly, this is unacceptable.
In 1985 English clubs were banned from European competition for the disgraceful actions of English fans at the European Final. The issuing of death threats over a sporting match is exactly the kind of neanderthal behaviour that cannot be tolerated.
There should be a full inquiry launched immediately, by Chelsea Football Club, UEFA and the police, into the circumstances behind these death threats and punishment should reign down on the perpetrators with the full force of God.
If the fans of your club bring the game into disrepute you are responsible for their actions and liable for the consequences. Recently in Italy there have been bans imposed on travelling fans at several grounds and again I cite the ban on English clubs in the 80s.
The ramifications of this, if left alone, are potentially horrendous. I strongly recommend that Chelsea are banned from European competition until such time that they can prove able to control the actions of their fans.
If we live in a world where a man’s life is in danger because he did not award a penalty kick then something is gravely amiss. I hope action is taken soon.