Chelsea 1 Sparta Prague 1: Blues’ fans cry foul on removal of anti-Rafa banners

Chelsea vs Sparta Prague resulted in a draw with the Blues moving ahead in the Europa League on the virtue of aggregate goals. Eden Hazard came in late and leveled the scores with a rocket shot as Chelsea FC made it to the next round of the Europa League. The Blues fans were delighted as the Stamford bridge side made it to the last 16.

Apart from Eden Hazard’s rocket kick, another instance was in the news prior to the match. The Blues administration had angered the fans by removing a specific set of banners from the stadium. The banners, which read, ‘Rafa Out’ and apparently, ‘Come Home, Jose’ were removed prior to the Blues’ match against Sparta Prague.

Many fans took to Twitter expressing their discomfort at the actions of the ground stewards and the administration. A fan tweeted, “Chelsea have taken down the Rafa out banner at the bridge…There goes freedom of speech at the club!” while another posted, “Stewards searching banners tonight, been told to not allow a ‘Come Home, Jose’ one from being hung.”

Chelsea FC has been in a spot of bother with fans booing the players and Benitez while the supporters of Jose Mourinho grow larger among the Stamford Bridge side fans. Fans also sang anti-Rafa songs in the first-half, but after Rafa sent Eden Hazard 22 minutes before the final whistle, the scenario changed. (Enjoy while it lasts Rafa!)

Chelsea FC was without the services of Demba Ba and Torres misfired again. Frank Lampard was watching the action from the stands as he was rested. Chelsea FC will now face Steaua Bucharest in the round of 16 matches.

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